The Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Laboratory (DIAL) at Mississippi State University was awarded a project to study the feasibility of measuring particulate matter downstream of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter by testing commercially available equipment used to monitor the downstream side of a HEPA filter. In order to perform the work required for this project, a test stand to accommodate a 12? x 12? x 11.5? HEPA filter with a rated flow of 250 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) was constructed. The test stand required an aerosol generator capable of producing a mass loading rate of 30 mg/m3 of dry aerosol at the face of the HEPA filter. It was determined that there was not a commercially available aerosol generator that quite fit the needs of the project. Therefore, it was necessary to develop an aerosol generator with the capabilities required for the project.

No description available.

Dans les installations nucléaires, les particules en suspension sont le vecteur d’une grande partie de la contamination radiologique. Pour cette raison, l'IRSN (Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire) étudie les filtres THE (Très Haute Efficacité) plissés qui sont l'un des dispositifs permettant assurer la sécurité de l'exploitation nucléaire. Pour éviter les rejets dans l'environnement, la compréhension du comportement des filtres en particulier dans la situation accidentelle doit être aussi exhaustive que possible. L'accident le plus probable et le plus pénalisant pour les dispositifs de confinement est l’incendie qui conduit à une production massive de particules de suie. Dans ce cas, le colmatage des filtres est un problème qui doit être pris en compte. Jusqu'à présent, une corrélation empirique a été développée pour prédire l'augmentation de perte de charge. Toutefois, le caractère empirique de cette corrélation ne permet pas son utilisation dans toutes les situations. Une compréhension phénoménologique et un modèle de colmatage est alors nécessaire. Le travail de thèse qui suit vise à lier l'évolution de la perte de charge à des observations physiques pour chaque étape du colmatage. Pour ce faire, l'étude a été divisée en deux parties. La première se focalise sur le comportement du filtre plan en mesurant la pénétration de particules à l'intérieur du medium et la porosité du dépôt formé sur sa surface. La deuxième partie consiste en une expérience à petite échelle basée sur un seul pli. L'accumulation de particules à l'intérieur du pli a été directement observée, de plus, la déformation du pli ainsi que les écoulements d'air dans le pli (en utilisant une méthode de PIV) ont été mesurés. Au cours de ces expériences, la perte de charge a été mesurée et les paramètres mesurés ont été liés à l'évolution de la perte de charge. La finalité est de construire un modèle analytique simple afin de prédire l'évolution de la perte de charge des filtres en fonction de la masse déposée, des caractéristiques de l'aérosol et des conditions aérauliques. La principale perspective ouverte par ces résultats est la validation des modèles numériques complets pour surmonter les limites expérimentales. Le prolongement logique de ce travail sera l'étude du comportement d'un filtre colmaté soumis à des contraintes de température, d’humidité et aux agressions chimiques de produits de combustion / In nuclear facilities, airborne particles are the vector of most of the radiological contamination. For this reason, pleated HEPA filters are one of the containment devices which are actively studied by the IRSN (Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire) to ensure the safety of nuclear exploitation. To avoid contamination of the environment, the understanding of the behavior of the filters especially in accidental situation has to be as exhaustive as possible. The most probable accident and the most penalizing for the containment devices is fire which leads to a massive soot particle production. In this case, the clogging of the filters is a problematic which has to be taken into account. Up to now, an empirical correlation has been developed to predict the pressure drop increase. The empirical nature of this correlation doesn’t allow its use in all situations. A phenomenological understanding and model of the clogging is then necessary. The following PhD work aims to reduce the pressure drop evolution to physical observations for each step of the clogging in order to model it on the most physical basis as possible. To do so, the study has been divided in two parts. The first one focusing on the behavior of flat filter by measuring the penetration of particles inside the medium and the porosity of the deposit formed on its surface. In the second part a small scale experiment based on a single pleat has been developed. Accumulation of the particles inside the pleat has been directly observed, deformation of the pleat as well as airflow in the pleat (using a PIV method) has been measured. During these experiments, pressure drop has been monitored and the measured parameters have been linked to the pressure drop evolution. Finality is to build a simple analytical model to predict the pressure drop evolution of the filters as a function of the deposited mass, the aerosol characteristics and the ventilation conditions. The main perspective opened by these results is the validation of complete numerical models to overcome the experimental limits. The logical extension of this work will be the study of the interaction of a clogged filter with temperature, air moisture and chemical aggression

No description available.

A unique accelerated aging chamber for experimentally determining the life of nuclear grade high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters was designed, implemented, and characterized. A design document was developed under the Nuclear Quality Assurance program (NQA-1). The aging process is achieved by sustaining an elevated humidity condition inside the chamber for an extended period of time. Elevated humidity conditions expose the media to commonly occurring stressors that mimic the degradation a typical filter in practical applications would experience. The aged media may then be analyzed using autopsy methodology resulting in data that can be used to better understand the useful life of HEPA filters. The chamber allows age studies to be conducted in a fraction of the time. The industry requires a more complete understanding of the useful life of HEPA filters as opposed to the rule of thumb which states to dispose filters 10 years after the manufacture date.

Denna rapport presenterar en utvärdering av en centrifugal luftrenare från företaget Airission som användes i en infektionsavdelning på Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset. Airissions luftrenare rensar bort partiklar och aerosoler, genom så kallad centrifugalteknologi, en relativt oprövad teknologi för luftrening. Målet var att undersöka och försöka verifiera luftrenarens funktion och prestanda samt jämföra den med en konventionell luftrenare som använder traditionella tvåstegsfilter för att rena luft.För att utföra studien användes ett bioaerosolmätinstrument som i realtid mäter partikelnivåerna i rummet. Testerna utfördes under olika driftförhållanden och tidsintervall med luftrenare påslagen respektive avstängd. Datainsamlingen och analysen inkluderade beräkningen av medelvärdet, jämförelse av partikelnivåerna mellan de olika testfallen och beräkning av standardavvikelsen.Resultaten visade att Airissions centrifugala luftrenare fungerar väl för rening av luft från partiklar och aerosoler. Reningseffektiviteten var jämförbar med en konventionell luftrenare. Den var mer effektiv än en konventionell luftrenare utan användning av högeffektiva luftfilter, mer allmänt känt som HEPA-filter. En signifikant minskning av antalet partiklar i luften observerades medan luftrenaren var i drift. Det uppstod dock en del komplikationer vid appliceringen av HEPA-filtret, vilka kunde ha haft en negativ påverkan på båda luftrenarna. Sammanfattningsvis visar analysen att den tillämpade centrifugalteknologin hos Airissions luftrenare fungerar väl. Jämförelsen av den konventionella luftrenaren visar vissa fördelar med en luftrenare som använder centrifugal teknologi - både gällande effektivitet och kvalitet.Denna rapport bidrar till kunskapen om luftreningslösningar för att förbättra luftkvaliteten och minska spridningen av luftburna sjukdomar, framför allt i sjukhusmiljöer. Resultaten kan vara till nytta för fortsatt forskning och utveckling av mer effektiva luftrenare som i sin tur ger ett bättre skydd för patienter och sjukhuspersonal som exponeras för luftburna smittämnen. / This report presents an evaluation of a centrifugal air purifier from the company Airission used in an infectious ward at Karolinska University Hospital. Airission's air purifier removes particles and aerosols using centrifugal technology, a relatively untested technology for air purification. The goal was to investigate and attempt to verify the functionality and performance of the air purifier and compare it to a conventional air purifier that uses traditional two-stage filters for air purification.To conduct the study, a bioaerosol measuring instrument was used to measure real-time particle levels in the room. The tests were performed under different operating conditions and time intervals with the air purifier turned on and off. Data collection and analysis included calculating the mean values, comparing the particle levels between different test cases, and calculating the standard deviation.The results showed that Airission's centrifugal air purifier effectively purifies air from particles and aerosols. The purification efficiency was comparable to a conventional air purifier. It was more effective than a conventional air purifier without the use of highefficiency air filters, commonly known as HEPA filters. A significant reduction in the number of particles in the air was observed while the air purifier was in operation. However, some complications arose during the application of the HEPA filter, which could have had a negative impact on both air purifiers.In summary, the analysis demonstrates that the applied centrifugal technology in Airission's air purifier works well. The comparison with the conventional air purifier shows certain advantages of an air purifier that uses centrifugal technology - in terms of both efficiency and quality.This report contributes to the knowledge of air purification solutions to improve air quality and reduce the spread of airborne diseases, especially in hospital environments. The results can be useful for further research and development of more effective air purifiers, which in turn provide better protection for patients and hospital staff exposed to airborne pathogens.

Les filtres plissés à Très Haute Efficacité (THE) sont utilisés pour le maintien du confinement des substances radioactives dans les installations nucléaires ; ils constituent ainsi un des éléments sensibles de la sûreté nucléaire. Certains scénarios accidentels, comme l’apparition d’une brèche sur une tuyauterie avec relâchement de vapeur, peuvent conduire à une forte augmentation de l’humidité relative de l’effluent gazeux filtré. Ces travaux permettent de pallier le manque de données analytiques dans la littérature concernant le comportement des filtres plissés THE, en termes de variations de leur perte de charge et de leur efficacité, en cas d’exposition à un débit d’air humide non saturé. Des expériences de colmatage de filtres ont été réalisées sur un banc d’essais à l’aide de deux aérosols : un aérosol non-hygroscopique micronique d’alumine et un aérosol hygroscopique submicronique de chlorure de sodium. Les résultats ont mis en évidence que l’influence de l’humidité durant le colmatage d’un filtre THE dépend de plusieurs paramètres : la géométrie du filtre (plane ou plissée), la granulométrie et la nature hygroscopique de l’aérosol de colmatage et enfin, le temps d’interaction entre l’aérosol et l’air humide. Des mesures d’efficacité des filtres plissés vierges et à différents degrés de colmatage, réalisées avec l’aérosol normalisé d’uranine, se sont également révélées sensibles à la présence plus ou moins importante d’humidité relative dans l’air. Enfin, l’ensemble des résultats a permis d’élaborer une approche empirique d’estimation de l’évolution de la perte de charge d’un filtre THE ; le modèle qui en résulte est applicable durant la formation sous humidité d’un gâteau de particules sans réduction de la surface de filtration / Pleated High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are used for maintaining the containment of radioactive substances in nuclear plants; thus, they are sensitive elements of nuclear safety. Some accidental situations, such as the emergence of a hole on a pipe with release of steam, can lead to a high increase of the air humidity. This work can overcome the lack of analytical data in the literature regarding the behaviour of pleated HEPA filters, in terms of changes in pressure drop and efficiency, in presence of humidity (unsaturated air). Experimental clogging tests have been performed on a test bench with two aerosols: non-hygroscopic micronic alumina particles and hygroscopic submicronic sodium chloride particles. The results showed that the influence of humidity during the clogging of a HEPA filter depends on several parameters: the geometry of the filter (plane or pleated), the size distribution and hygroscopicity of the aerosol clogging and finally the interaction time between the aerosol and humid air. Measurements of efficiency of clean and clogged filters (at different degrees of clogging), performed with the normalized soda fluorescein aerosol, are also sensitive to the presence of more or less relative humidity in the air. Finally, all results helped to develop an empirical model for estimating the evolution of the pressure drop of HEPA filters; this model is applicable during the formation of the particulate cake in presence of humidity without reducing of the surface area filtration

The main goal of this thesis is an introducing and guiding the reader with all important aspects of a proposal of ventilation system for cytostatics laboratory, from theoretical knowledge about the issue via familiarization with an appropriate legislative statute, a demonstration of relevant calculations needed for the project, a proposal in the form of technical reports as well. In this thesis the process of validation, which is needed for installed technology in the cleanroom, is also described. The thesis is supported by drawing documentation of real ventilation project for cytostatics laboratory, which follows the aforementioned technical report and calculations.

Today, a significant portion of individuals’ time is spent indoors, estimated at approximately 90% of their total time. This raises concerns about the transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) instigating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and similar viruses and highlights the critical role of ventilation systems in indoor environments, which this study aims to investigate. Narrowing the focus to healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals in Sweden, the study includes the importance of ventilation systems in safeguarding the health safety and well-being of patients, healthcare workers in hospitals. To effectively combat the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of its viral characteristics, with a specific centre on airborne transmission size, virus longevity, and quantum of infection. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the major impact of ventilation rate, thermodynamic factors such as temperature and humidity, as well as pollutants in effectively mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and similar pathogens.  The comprehensive findings of this literature review underscore that, for hospitals in Sweden, a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system incorporating a plate heat exchanger is the most suitable ventilation system for this specific objective. Moreover, the recommended ventilation strategy is specifically tailored for implementation in wards or isolated rooms, where it is ideal for the incoming air to originate from the patient’s room floor, while the exit point is preferably located near or at the ceiling. In the context of this study, identified effective solutions involve the utilization and combination of high-efficiency filters and ultraviolet (UV) technology installed within ventilation system unit, particularly when an air recirculation system is used. Additionally, the implementation of RM3 (Rheem’s third generation products) UV-C technology for indoor use can be achieved without considerable intervention in ventilation system, depending on the type of ventilation system being utilized. In summary, this study enhances understanding of the complex relationship between ventilation systems, COVID-19 transmission and similar diseases, the optimization of thermodynamic factors, and selection of effective and practical measures. It provides valuable insights for designing effective ventilation strategies across various indoor environments, with a specific attention on healthcare facilities. / Idag spenderas en betydande del av individers tid inomhus, uppskattningsvis cirka 90% av deras totala tid. Detta väcker oro över överföringen av Coronavirussjukdom 2019 (COVID-19), som initierar Svårt Akut Respiratoriskt Syndrom Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) och liknande virus och belyser den kritiska rollen som ventilationssystem spelar i inomhusmiljöer, som denna studie syftar till att undersöka. Genom att begränsa fokus till vårdinrättningar, särskilt sjukhus i Sverige, inkluderar studien vikten av ventilationssystem för att säkerställa hälsosäkerheten och välbefinnandet för patienter och vårdpersonal på sjukhus. För att effektivt bekämpa spridningen av SARS-CoV-2-viruset är det viktigt att ha en grundlig förståelse för dess virala egenskaper, med ett specifikt fokus på luftburen överföringsstorlek, viruslivslängd och infektionsmängd. Dessutom är det viktigt att identifiera den stora inverkan av luftomsättningstakt, termodynamiska faktorer som temperatur och fuktighet samt föroreningar för att effektivt minska överföringen av SARS-CoV-2 och liknande patogener. De omfattande resultaten av denna litteraturstudie understryker att värmeåtervinningsventilationssystem (HRV) med plattvärmeväxlare är det mest lämpliga ventilationssystemet för sjukhus i Sverige för detta specifika mål. Dessutom är den rekommenderade ventilationsstrategin speciellt anpassad för implementering på avdelningar eller isolerade rum, där den är idealisk för att inkommande luft ska komma från patientens rumsgolv, medan utgångspunkten företrädesvis är placerad nära eller i taket. I samband med denna studie involverar identifierade effektiva lösningar, användning och kombination av högeffektiva filter och ultraviolett (UV)-teknik installerad i ventilationssystemenhet, särskilt när ett luftcirkulationssystem används. Dessutom kan implementeringen av RM3 (Rheems tredje generationens produkter) UV-C-teknik för inomhusbruk uppnås utan betydande ingrepp i ventilationssystem, beroende på vilken typ av ventilationssystem som används. Sammanfattningsvis ökar denna studieförståelse för det komplexa förhållandet mellan ventilationssystem, COVID-19-överföring och liknande sjukdomar, optimering av termodynamiska faktorer och val av effektiva och praktiska åtgärder. Den ger värdefulla insikter för att utforma effektiva ventilationsstrategier i olika inomhusmiljöer, med särskild uppmärksamhet på vårdinrättningar.

Master´s thesis deals with the issue of internal microclimate of clean rooms. The experimental part focuses on aerosol and microbial microclimate. Different operating and intervention rooms were measured and then evaluated whether the cleanroom would comply with the standard cleanliness class even in normal operation after previous validations. The microbial examination of different clean spaces investigated the extent to which the exact passive fall method and its evaluation were time-dependent. From the data the correct desing of the air-conditioning system and its subsequent realization and regultion were verified. The theoretical part describes requirements for clean rooms according to SÚKL-LEK 17 and ČSN EN ISO 14644-1. In addition, a detailed methodology of the procedure of air-conditioning implementation is elaborated to the final validation and testing of clean rooms.