In light of the pandemic, many questions have been asked about how filtration can aid in keeping buildings healthier, tenants and teams more productive while on-site, and in creating a more future-fit infrastructure.
SFI Group is deeply invested in contributing towards healthier buildings. Here are some of the initiatives we have deployed.
Better Filtration
We are working with AFPRO – a leading European manufacturer of filters – to understand how new legislation on filtration is lined to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards on Particulate Matter (PM).
This is quite fascinating and has proved to be relevant beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, and we strongly believe that cleaner buildings should be of the utmost importance to all Facilities Managers.
We have developed an online presentation[1] to unpack the role of filtration in air-conditioning systems, what the limitations are and how filtration can be improved.
All systems need to be investigated to determine the level of filtration improvement we can achieve.
Smooth, Safe Sanitising
To ensure a cleaner environment, we sanitise the air handling units, fan coil units and filters on a weekly or monthly basis. This can be done as part of the service, or in addition to the service.
The chemicals are safe for use, leave minimal odours and can be used in occupied spaces.
We have teams specifically trained in the use of these chemicals and are properly equipped to undertake the process as smoothly as possible.
Using Ultraviolet Light
UVC lighting is a tried and tested solution to reduce airborne pathogens, and clean coils at the same time which has a positive impact on energy costs. Each installation needs to be specifically engineered with all the necessary safety features installed.
Our approach is to install the UVC lights within the units, allowing the treatment of the air to be continuous as it passes through the unit. It has been substantiated by scientists for several decades that broad-spectrum germicidal UV light, with wavelengths between 200 and 400nm, is very effective at killing bacteria and viruses by destroying the bonds that hold their DNA together. This UV light is often used in the decontamination of surgical equipment. These conventional germicidal UV lights must be used under strictly controlled conditions to avoid exposure.
Creating Virus-Destroying Ozone
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas created from oxygen atoms. Oxygen exists as a diatomic molecule, O2. These oxygen molecules are broken into atoms by the corona discharge during lightning storms or by UV light from the sun. Single oxygen atoms cannot exist alone without regrouping back into diatomic oxygen molecules. During this recombination stage, some atoms will regroup into loosely bonded triatomic oxygen, known as Ozone or O3.
Ozone generators can produce Ozone from normal air, and are generally used as room disinfectants. The antipathogenic effects of Ozone have been substantiated for several decades. Its killing efficiency of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and many species of protozoa; serves as the foundation for its use in the disinfection of municipal water supplies in cities worldwide increasing. Typically, viruses are small, independent particles that are built of crystals and macromolecules.
Unlike bacteria, they multiply only within the host cell. Ozone destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the virus, resulting in damage of the viral RNA. At higher concentrations, Ozone destroys the capsid or exterior protein shell through oxidation. The studies that suggest that Covid-19 is susceptible to the virucidal efficiency of Ozone have not yet been confirmed. We do not recommend its use in large open spaces as Ozone needs to be generated under strictly controlled conditions.
This application is ideal in smaller areas such as hotel rooms, private offices, or meeting rooms.
Privacy and Safety with the Isolation Qube
We have worked with a supplier to develop an Isolation Qube that is quite versatile. Initially this can be used to isolate an individual who shows symptoms of the virus.
Beyond the pandemic, these could be used as a quiet private space to work away from the open-plan office, or for a quick meeting.
An SFI team will assemble the unit on site and install an electrical supply and the necessary ventilation and filtration separate from any existing system.
All initiatives should be discussed with a specific application in mind, and we encourage you to contact us for further discussion on the ways to improve the health of your working environment.
It is Time for Cleaner, Better Results
SFI will design and retrofit your air-handling unit and provide the necessary maintenance regime for your healthier building. Ask for a cleaner building today!