Blog Tag: HEPA Filtration Systems

Just like some songs become more iconic as they get older, some products are better appreciated over time. This increase in appreciation  is usually a result of both past and future comparisons of other songs or other products that promised performance and value. Once we begin to realize that what we heard before from some musical group (in this case Metallica) or the performance of lesser expensive, similar products that failed to live up to their hype, the appreciation of what we have is increased 100 fold.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. Their use of HEPA filters early on in the “air filtration” and “indoor air quality” era was somewhat of a “odd man out” process. Up until, the mid-70’s and early 80’s, HEPA filters were used exclusively in the commercial electronics industry. Some were used in the asbestos removal market and some in the medical industry but none were used in the residential market.

During the early years of air filtration products for the home market, electronic, electrostatic and ozone generators dominated the scene. The makers of these relatively inexpensive devices made all sorts of claims include the ability for these systems to be as effective as HEPA filters in removing harmful airborne allergens from the air. As people began to use these ‘air purifiers” they realized there was more hype than substance to the products. Some people even went as far as to purchase four or five different air filtration devices, each a little more expensive than the last, hoping to find a product that was as good as a HEPA system before eventually purchasing a HEPA unit from PAS.

Today, with over 20,000 units in the field and 28 years in business, Pure Air Systems has developed a strong following of customers from all phases of industry, the medical profession and residential and commercial markets. The acceptance of HEPA based filtration over other methods is fairly common especially in the light that all hospital surgery suites, the CDC, micro-chip fabricators, optics companies, Homeland Security and others now only use true, commercial grade, certified HEPA filters for all their critical operations.  The continued use and purchase of the PAS products confirms the systems perform at or above expectations for the applications to which they are applied.

Looking back on the early days of air filtration devices, filters and processes one has to remember that knowledge of indoor air quality and the ability to deal with those issues was an on-going learning lessen for everyone involved. But because there were significant performance requirements needed for airborne particulate removal the market quickly determined that moving up the ladder in quality, performance and durability was the best solution to their air quality needs.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsytems. Of course you can always contact us on our toll-free line at: 800-869-8025.

A number of years ago the H1N1 Bird Flu created a scenario where a potential epidemic could occur. This turned out to be “much ado without nothing.” Today, another strain of the Bird Flu, H7N9, found in China again has been authenticated as the cause of death in a 35-year old Chinese women. She died of kidney and respiratory failure. As with the H1N1 virus there is no vaccine available at this time to combat this new virus. The CDC () has been trying to isolate the virus so it can develop a viable vaccine and track the extent of the contamination. As of this writing the H7N9 has only  been found in five Chinese provinces.

For more information go to the following link (http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/04/14/177087374/scientists-race-to-stay-ahead-of-new-bird-flu-virus)

If you have followed this blog for the past few years you know the ability to avoid contact with various strains of harmful bacteria and viruses is very difficult. Exposure by contact is difficult to prevent but exposure by airborne pathogens can be significantly reduced and eliminated. The use of highly effective HEPA air filtration systems along with best ventilation and pressurization techniques can prevent the spread of these pathogens. Whether it is a commercial, institutional or residential  facility, with the proper equipment a little ventilation know-how, people can effectively isolate themselves from contraction of these deadly viruses.

The CDC, like all organizations that deal with pathogens, use HEPA filter systems in all of their material handling facilities. Most use redundant HEPA systems and the majority use ULPA or SULPA HEPA filters for maximum security against airborne virus contamination. HEPA filters have been used since 1941 and to-date, no other filter media has been developed that has the effectiveness and efficiency of HEPA media.

Pure Air Systems has been using commercial grade, certified, scanned HEPA filters since 1985 and today is one of the leaders in high volume, fan-powered, variable speed controlled HEPA air filtration devices. Used throughout the world, the HEPA systems from PAS meet and/or exceed the requirements for all commercial, medical, institutional, industrial and residential air filtration requirements. And, the same rugged, commercial grade design that was the basis for the units in 1985 is still used today. Newer ECM, variable speed drive motors and digital controllers have replaced the induction motors and analog switches that have enhanced the overall performance of the units and allowed for use in countries that use 220 volt, 50 Hz electrical current.

The amount of people on this planet coupled with the enormous growth in business, air pollution, climate change, and new wonder drugs have forced the viruses and bacteria to adapt to this new environment. As a result, new drug resistant strains of normally treatable bacterial and viral infections are now prevalent. This new H7N9 Bird Flu is just one more pathogen to deal with. In my previous post I discussed the MRSA problem and the fact that the medical industrial complex is having some real challenges in coming up with viable solutions for these new virulent strains. Maybe the Bible was correct when it said…”and the meek shall inherit the earth.”

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based products from PAS please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com. Or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems or you can call us anytime on our toll-free number. 800-869-8025.

MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. It is also call mutlidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

One of the big challenges in treating this type of infection is the growing concern that the existing antibiotics now used to treat MRSA are no longer effective and once the MRSA infection sets in it is often a losing battle to keep the infection from spreading. This issue is now a major reason for new procedures regarding sterilization of all surfaces in hospitals and clinics.

Post-operative infections affect over 5% of the people that enter hospitals for surgery or wound treatments costing hospitals and health insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Many of these patients require extensive treatments and often succumb  to the MRSA infections. Hospitals, Clinics, nursing homes and other health care related facilities are all taking special precautions to minimize the possibility of infections recognizing how quickly these types of bacteria can spread by contact.

Pure Air Systems, has been manufacturing commercial grade HEPA air filtration systems since 1985 and has extensive experience in placing its HEPA systems in various types of medical facilities including hospitals, clinics, oncology wards, isolation ( both positive and negative pressure) rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing and portable surgery suites (both US and overseas). With systems ranging in capacity from 50 CFM to 2,000 CFM and the use of the new variable speed ECM digitally controlled motors, the PAS HEPA units meet and/or exceed the optimum performance requirements to remove or reduce the number of sub-micron airborne particles at a minimum efficiency of 99.99% at 0.3 microns or larger. With efficiency approaching 97% below 0.3 microns.

Over the past 10 years a number of air filter technologies have been tried to compete with HEPA systems in the removal of harmful airborne contaminants. Ozone generators, electronic air cleaners and specially treated filter medias have been used in-lieu of HEPA systems due to their much lower costs and size. However, after many trials of these alternate systems it has been determined that none of these other systems even comes close to the removal efficiency of the HEPA systems, not to mention that these alternate units could only operate in the 50 CFM to 250 CFM range.

HEPA medias are more expensive and require more powerful fan motors to pull the air through the HEPA filters. But is their air restrictive density that allow for the capture of sub-micron particulate and this design feature differentiates the use of HEPA with all other types of air filtration systems and products. Few companies have the know-how to design systems that get the most out HEPA filters and even fewer have systems that can move in excess of 2,000  CFM through these HEPA filters.

The thousands of installations of HEPA units in the past 28 years has provide PAS with the knowledge and experience to properly apply this technology in applications ranging from odor control in police stations to providing clean -room environments for sensitive testing equipment and everything in between.

For more information on the unique HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems offered by PAS, please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. If you want to contact us directly you can reach us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

The prophets of gloom and doom are always out on the side lines predicting the demise of man…self made no less. It seems like every change by a despot or ruler of a foreign county constitutes major peril to the entire world. The  sequester, changing of the guard in North Korea and climate change are but a few of those apocalyptic events that seem to rock the universe. To those problems  I say…Eh!

The truth is there are more real issues in the world that could eliminate or minimize the level of humans who live on this sphere in the universe…and they are very, very tiny. Yes, we are talking about bacteria and viruses. Those tiny, less than 10 micron sized living entities that dominate the earth in astounding numbers. It has been proven that despite man’s attempt to change human kind and the planet we are facing the reality that “nature always finds a  way” to adopt. New pesticides for farmers has generated a new strain of bugs that love the stuff. But the battle of finding new vaccines and antibiotics that will kill the ever evolving drug resistant bacteria and virus strains may just be the one battle we may lose.

There are now serious concerns on the part of the medical community that many people will die as a result of these new drug resistant strains. The fact that the flu vaccine this year had little effect for those who got vaccinated is a good indication of just how fast these new “bugs” evolve.  Close quarters and crowded spaces make the transmission of these airborne pathogens simple and easy. This is also complicated by the transmission of surface born pathogens that can affect hundreds of people that eat in just one restaurant or take a vacation on a cruise ship.

Airborne bacteria and many viruses can be removed from the air by using commercial grade, certified HEPA based air filtration devices. Systems such as those produced by Pure Air Systems, have the ability to move up to 2000 CFM of HEPA filtered air and come in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Since 1985, Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing these high end, commercial grade, high performance HEPA systems that are now used around the world. Many of the PAS systems are used in hospitals, clean rooms, clinics, laboratories and critical applications where reduction and or removal of  harmful airborne particulate is required.

The PAS systems are currently used in applications including, institutional, industrial, residential, medical, commercial and governmental. In many instances, the PAS systems are the only HEPA unit available on the market that can provide the type of sub-micron particulate removal needed to ensure the safety of people and equipment.  The PAS line of HEPA and Carbon based systems can either be attached to existing air handlers or HVAC equipment or be used as stand-alone systems.

For more information on the complete line of air filtration systems available from PAS please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. You can also call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

In 1958 the Platters released a new song titled, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” This song has since been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years. It has been used in more than 50 movies as either the main theme song or one of the tunes as a way to emphasis a certain feeling or emotion. The Platters went on to record a number of other hits, but this one tune has had more impact than all their other well-known songs.

Whether it’s smoke from a cigarette, leaf fire, charcoal grill or exhaust fumes from an oil burning car, smoke will quickly and substantially irritate your eyes; with symptoms ranging from mild irritation to watering eyes, burning sensations, partial or complete blindness that can linger for long periods of time. These symptoms don’t include the choking, coughing, respirable irritation that accompanies the watering eyes. Anyway you slice it, ( and sometimes smoke is so thick you can slice it with a knife), exposing your eyes to smoke is not a good thing.

Interesting that in industrial facilities or manufacturing facilities where respirators are required, often the only eye protection is from safety glasses. While these protect the eyes from large flying particles, they do nothing to keep fine, airborne dust or smoke particles from entering your eyes. Small amounts of contaminants over long periods of  time can be just as damaging as large concentrations over short periods of time. Protection from or removal of the smoke particles is critical.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based commercial grade, fan powered air filtration systems since 1985. Removal of very high percentages of very tiny, sub-micron particles is their primary function. The HEPA systems offered by Pure Air Systems ( PAS) have an initial efficiency of 99.99% removal of all particle 0.3 microns or lager. And, approach 95% removal of all particles 0.12 microns and larger.  Since smoke is fairly visible with the naked eye, one assumes that smoke can be easily removed by the  HEPA units. While this is mostly true, it is not what you can see that hurts you, it is what you don’t see, and there-in lies the problem.

The visible smoke is extremely large, measuring more than 20 microns in size up to and over 100 microns in size. These larger particles are normally aspirated in and then expelled from the lungs. These larger particles are also more easily washed away by the tears that form in your eyes when subjected to high concentrations of smoke. However, the smaller, invisible smoke particles; those less than 20 microns in size, are easily ingested into the body and are not as easily removed by the tear ducts in your eyes. It is these smaller particles that cause all the damage and the majority of them can be removed by the use of HEPA filters.

Smoke is an irritant and should be treated as one. Even smoke from candles can be a problem when used in small, confined areas. The black soot-like particles that come from the wick ( both old and new styles ) is also very tiny and should be considered a threat to your body.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems offered by PAS please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter  @pureairsystems. You can also follow us on Facebook or call us anytime on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

There is no lack of comment, opinion and overblown diatribe regarding the upcoming potential “fiscal cliff.” The politicos love to be able to scare people by predicting economic catastrophe if certain members of either party don’t come to a consensus on how to resolve this problem. The interesting thing is that even if the parties don’t agree something will happen without their involvement or decision. And, chances are that all this partisan posturing will be replaced with a compromise that will give credit to both parties while making the right decision for the American public. Disaster averted!

In the field of air filtration there are often two distinct approaches to resolving the same problem. And, like the political parties, one is often more correct than the other. More over, the right decision will have a very positive effect over a very long period of time and for a large number of individuals.

The removal of airborne particles from indoor air environments has always employed some type of mechanical filter. Cloth medias, fiberglass filters, cotton fiber filters and the man made medias ( including HEPA ) have been around for over 70 years. Mechanical filters are simple in nature. They capture the airborne particles that are drawn through them ( usually by a fan or air moving device) and the larger particles get caught in the media fibers while some of the tiny particles pass through. Over time as the filter media loads up, or gets dirtier, even most of the smaller particles are caught in the filter. In the case of HEPA filters, sub-micron particles are captured at efficiencies approaching 99.99% at less than 0.3 microns in size.

One other type of filtration device was also developed and used in the early 50’s and a variation of that technology is still use today. The electronic air cleaner was a simple device that used positive/negative charges to attract particles as they passed through a charged wire grid. The earlier versions were not very effective except for capturing very large particles. The newer versions are slightly better but this technology is really not appropriate for any applications except general duty residential.

In the 70’s another style of air filtration device hit the market. However, these devices were referred to as air purifiers and not air filters. These consisted of ozone generators and ionizers. They did not use any type of media and were touted as being able to purify the air in your home or office and no filters needed to be changed. Simply wipe the attraction plates or replace a small component part once in a while and you had all the clean air you could ask for. Unless you really wanted it to actually work at removing airborne particles.

Air purifiers are simply not capable of eliminating the harmful, sub-micron, airborne particles and allergens in the air. This is the reason that hospitals, laboratories, chip manufacturers, optics companies, the CDC, etc. etc. do not use air purifiers for any application. They rely only on mechanical filters such as HEPA filters. But, the discussion continues to rage on and there are proponents on both sides of the equation.

For more information on mechanical filter and HEPA air filtration systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. You can always reach us at our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

The last Presidential election ( and other state and local elections ) was perhaps the most invasive in terms of using every possible avenue to get your attention, it proved one thing.  We hated and loved every minute of it.

We all have a certain aversion to advertising, especially on TV. That is why I, like many people, use their DVR or TiVo devices to record their favorite programs so we can blast through the commercials. It really was a blessing during the elections. I’m sure that companies that pay to advertise on TV hate that fact but they also know getting information into the hands of the consumer using Television as one of their marketing schemes is critical to their  business model. But is it really?

Running for President during his first term, President Obama used the internet very effectively to get his ideas out to the masses. It turned out to be a very successful strategy. During this past Presidential election both parties utilized the internet in every possible way to get their points across to the potential voters. They not only used social media to gain attention but to get donations for their specific Congressmen, Senators and other local political officials.  It was, in my mind, the beginning of the end for traditional advertising as we know it.

For all those nay sayers that find Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogging to be a passing phase….think again. Social media is becoming the 6,000 lb Gorilla in the room. For many of the over 60 generation the use of computers may be a partial process for getting email and Skyping with their Grand Children…but for those under 45, Social Media and all its parts are THE way to connect. I should also include the next biggest method of communication…Texting. Even I find myself texting a message to someone rather than calling. It is faster, more convenient and has no time limitation. Plus, if the individual I am trying to call is busy or away from his or her cell phone, the text message will still be there. And…most people respond quickly to a text message  as opposed to waiting to call you back when they have time to do it.

There are some many advantages to using Social Media, the internet, tablets, etc..etc..etc. I can send you documents, photos, maps, directions, via my cell phone. We can work on the same document and project in the Cloud from anywhere at anytime. I can send you a link to a subject or issue I think is important and  Skype or Facetime with you from anywhere on the planet ( mostly) using any hand held device. I can also get nine other friends or business associates on the same conference call with a push of a button.

Pure Air Systems started its operations in 1985. While it used computers early on for correspondence and record keeping it didn’t enter the digital age until 1995 with its original and current website URL. Shortly thereafter PAS started putting its information on a website ( which has now been modified 8 times) and today over 65% of all our new business comes from the internet. The power of digital communications can not be denied. It is the new direction for all things sold and communicated. Get with the program because this process is here to stay.

For more information on Pure Air Systems and its complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration products please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. Of course you can always call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

In the over 27 years that Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing and selling commercial grade, high performance HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems, we have installed our systems on some of the most unique and unusual applications and locations. From oil tankers in the Middle East, mobile surgery units in Africa and units in evidence rooms in police stations, PAS systems have been used in applications that required high performance in severe environments.

Over the past six months, the High Altitude Observatory, a division of the National Center for Atmospheric Research has been testing an highly specialized optical instrument at their laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. This instrument will eventually be shipped to the HAO in Hawaii. Because of the critical nature of the environment in which this instrument must operate, the unit will require an ultra-clean air flow the instrument at temperatures ranging from minus 5 degrees C to plus 40 degrees C.

The HOA purchased one of the HPS 500 portable HEPA units from Pure Air Systems to test its overall capabilities six months. They tested the unit and made sure it would work within the overall boundaries of the operation window for the optical instrument. The HPS unit passed with flying colors and now the HOA has purchased a second unit for their facility in Hawaii. Their only real concern was the operation of the motor at these extremely low temperatures.

The EBM blower/motor used by PAS, is a German made unit that is designed to operate in extreme cold and heat. The operational parameters of the EBM blower/motor are well within the operational requirements set by the HOA and NCAR. The units will be running on a 24/7 basis so durability and performance are paramount in this application. The fact that  Pure Air Systems was able to provide the type of HEPA filtration system HOA needed is not surprising. PAS has been providing the best commercially made, high performance HEPA systems to the commercial, institutional, medical, industrial and residential markets since 1985.

Pure Air Systems offers a complete line of HEPA and Carbon based, fan powered, certified HEPA units ranging from 50 CFM to 2000 CFM and in seven different configurations and designs. These systems can either be used attached to an existing HVAC system or as stand-alone units. With the exception of the HPS series, all of the PAS units utilize the newer ECM variable speed, digitally controlled motors that are rated 120/240 volt, 3 phase, 50/60 Hz.

http://www.cosmo.ucar.edu/kcoronagraph.html

For more information on Pure Air Systems, please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com. or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. Of course you can always contact us anytime on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

A garden gnome or lawn gnome is a figurine of a small humanoid creature, usually wearing a pointy hat, produced for the purpose of ornamentation and protection from evil sorcery. Typically found in gardens and on lawns, these figurines originated in early 19th century Germany where they commonly became known as garden dwarfs. While these are still very popular in Europe you often still see these gnomes popping up in gardens and some lawns across the US. The gnome has become one of the marketing tools for Travelocity…which are depicted on their website and often shown on the TV advertisements.

It is interesting that even in this day and age of unbelievable new technologies, many people still believe that certain objects or potions will protect them and their families from harm. Perhaps the stories and superstitions that surround these objects adds to the mystique that there are powers beyond our own comprehension at work. However, for most of us this is just nonsense. Or is it?

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems for over 28 years. For the vast majority of those individuals, companies and organizations that have used these highly regarded systems, the overall effectiveness of the systems has convinced them they made the correct decision. However, for individuals who suffer from allergies or airborne contaminants and for those companies and facilities that still believe in home made remedies, the use of any type of air filtration device seems ridiculous. After all, they don’t need any any expensive equipment to do what their DIY concoctions can do.

Wearing a clove of garlic or magic stone or magnets from India around your neck thinking these items will ward off evil spirits and keep you safe from harm has never been proven to be effective. The reality is the ability to really protect yourself and your loved ones from harm requires a more grounded process. For years, Pure Air Systems dealt with potential customers who had tried every type of remedy and inexpensive air purification device to help them with their allergies and airborne contaminant removal. In every case where that type of customer acquiesced to purchasing one of the PAS HEPA units, their problems were resolved. By process of elimination, they proved to themselves that science was better than numerology.

This same trial-and-error process was also repeated by commercial companies, medical facilities and institutions. Often they would use the “lower bidder” approach to resolving their airborne contaminant issues only to find that in the world of air pollution, price should never be  the deciding factor. Pure Air Systems has maintained its reputation for providing the most effective, reliable HEPA based air filtration systems on the market today by doing exactly what it says it can do. Remove the harmful, airborne particles, allergens and pathogens from any source with a very high degree of effectiveness. Without using any Gnomes.

For more information on the complete PAS product line please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or find us on Facebook of follow us on Twitter. You can always call us at: 800-869-8025.

The acronym HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Absolute” filter. The word absolute means just that. A HEPA filter by standards means it will capture, initially, 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. This means if you had 10,000 particles in that size range and put them through the HEPA filter only 3 are allowed to pass through the media. There are scanned HEPA filters which have a minimum efficiency of 99.99% at 0.3 microns, ULPA filters with minimum efficiency of 99.9995% at 0.12 microns and SULPA filters with minimum efficiency of 99.99999% at 0.12 microns. In every case the overall efficiency of the filters is directly proportional to how the filter in sealed, or contained in the holding frame or air filtration device.

There are a number of small, portable style HEPA filtration systems sold on the market today. The majority of them are designed for residential applications; specifically bedrooms and small living areas. These systems have very small fans and can only move about 50 to 200 CFM of filtered air and have HEPA filters that are not necessarily sealed tightly in their housings. Then there are fewer than 5 portable type HEPA units that are designed to be used in the commercial markets where optimum performance is required. When we get to the larger, stand-alone HEPA filtration systems, those that can move from 100 to 2,000 CFM of filtered air, there are only two companies in that arena.

HEPA filters are expensive. They requires very special equipment to manufacture them and highly sophisticated, expensive test equipment to certify them and ensure they meet all the regulations and standards that allow them to be certified as HEPA filters. They are usually framed in aluminum or steel and have a gasket on one side to allow for compression sealing in their prospective housings. Unless the HEPA filter is completely sealed, air will by-pass around the filter and render the HEPA filter useless.

Companies and individuals purchase HEPA filtration systems to perform a certain function; removal of harmful airborne sub-micron particulate. The airborne particles may be allergens, pathogens, dust and dirt particles or particles from a manufacturing operation. In almost every case, the performance of the equipment is tantamount to the price of the systems. Since the lack of performance is directly proportional to the overall efficiency of the specific operation, the inability of the HEPA systems to perform can cost hundreds of times more than the equipment itself.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA based air filtration systems since 1985 and its systems are considered one of the premier units on the market today. The fact that PAS has been in operation for over 27 years is a testament to their ability to meet or exceed the expectations of their customers. The medical, commercial, institutional, environmental, military and industrial markets all look to PAS to help them solve their critical airborne particulate problems. Performance is their primary concern.

For more information on the complete line of  HEPA based air filtration systems from Pure Air Systems go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems and like us on Facebook. Of course you can always call us at: 800-869-8025.