The problem of getting rid of unpleasant strong odors in a room can sometimes be very pressing. It is clear that the first priority should be to eliminate the source of the odor, but this cannot always be realized. Bedridden patients, repairs on the stairs or at a neighbor's, nearby chemical plants are far from full list such problems.
Odors are not allergens, but they can be allergy triggers. In other words, there is no such thing as an allergy to odors, but an allergic person's increased sensitivity to odors can cause an allergic reaction to a specific allergen, such as pollen or a food product.
What is the nature of smells? These are organic or inorganic molecules that act on our nasal receptors. Most often in rooms we encounter odors of organic origin, the causative agents of which are long volatile molecules. No matter how long they are, their sizes are always smaller than those of organic particles, causing allergies. Therefore, only those air purifier filters that either break down these molecules (photocatalytic or thermodynamic) or absorb them (carbon) can “fight” them.
Thermodynamic Although purifiers break down molecules of organic odors, due to their low productivity, they make this process ineffective.
Carbon filters have a limited resource for saturation with such molecules, so they must be changed periodically. The less carbon filter(by volume and surface area), the more often it requires replacement (every 1-3 months). Large, heavy carbon filters are changed less frequently (up to once a year), but their cost is significantly higher.
Unrivaled in odor control photocatalytic filters(there may be variations in the name - ion, plasma cluster, etc.). Many air purifiers with such filters have good performance and built-in electronics that automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the presence of foreign odors.
Any adult and educated person knows that the air in the city is not only far from natural purity, but is also sometimes dangerous to health. And in order to protect against it, at least at home, we use special equipment. How not to get lost in the variety of gadgets and choose the best air purifier? Let's look at everything in order.
Fresh air in the home can be classified as basic physiological needs. And if you don't live in a clean suburb or at least near a park, then most likely you need an air purifier. Modern manufacturers they create and modify such devices in huge numbers, adding the necessary (or not?) functions of ultrasound, ionization, humidification, and so on, ad infinitum, changing the shapes, sizes and number of filters, thus completely confusing the buyer. Let's figure out what air purifiers exist now and what they are needed for.
There are no fewer myths in the field of air purification now than in show business :) But for the most part, all air purifiers consist of a fan, which drives this very air through the gadget, and a filter system. And it is in the latter that all the differences begin. To begin with, let’s divide all cleaning systems into two types:
- aquatic;
- dry.
They most often try to combine an air purifier for an apartment with a humidifier, which has already created some confusion between these devices. However, a conventional humidifier does not purify the air, but only fills it with moisture, and of such devices, only an air washer can bear the proud title of “air purifier”. This type of home air purifier actually “washes” the air by forcing it through a curtain of water. At the same time, under the influence of water, dust and other small pollutants in the air settle on the washing discs. Air purification using washing occurs along with humidification, which adds to the popularity of these gadgets. All air washers work on the same principle and differ in size, fan power and additional functions. Air disinfection is most often introduced into the sink. In addition to the desire to introduce as many functions as possible that are attractive to the buyer, in this case, manufacturers are also guided by the principle of compensation - the fact is that the humid environment formed in sinks is very favorable for the growth of bacteria, harmful microorganisms and fungi; the sink must be constantly looked after and cleaned it so that unexpected guests do not settle in the device.
Therefore, such an air purification system is often supplemented with a UV lamp for safety. We have already discussed how safe this technology is in another article.
In addition, the sinks themselves work quite sedately and calmly, so you shouldn’t expect quick cleaning premises, removing odors and tiny particles of pollutants and allergens.
| Model | Description | pros | Minuses | Price |
| Venta LW25 | Designed for a room up to 40 square meters. meters. The washer works without replaceable filters, the entire cleaning system is washable. For work, you can use ordinary water, the reservoir for which is 7 liters, as well as flavored additives. Protection against bacteria is provided by the Venta-Hygienemittel system. | No consumables required. Doesn't leave limescale on furniture. Easy to care for. Auto shut off without water. Possibility of connecting a humidity level sensor. |
High noise level at maximum speed. | From 23,000 R |
| Winia AWI-40 | The Korean car wash can also serve up to 40 square meters and has a 7 liter tank. Its features include the function automatic maintenance humidity level, five operating modes, 3D discs with antibacterial coating. The sink also has an ionization function, implemented through replaceable ionizing filters. | Easy to care for. Humidity level control. Antibacterial coating of discs. High humidification efficiency. |
Replaceable ionizing filters. High noise level. Inaccurate gyrostat. Difficult to find in stores. |
From 15,000 R |
| Boneco W2055DR | A simple air cleaner designed for a room up to 50 square meters. meters and 7 liters of water. It is possible to monitor the current humidity level and set the desired one. You can use flavorings, there is an ionizing rod, which can also function as protection against bacteria, which, in our opinion, is very doubtful. | Two operating speeds. Electronic hygrometer. Automatic maintenance of humidity level. Indication of the level of contamination of the device. |
Weak antibacterial protection. Large dimensions. Quite labor-intensive cleaning of the sink. |
From 25,000 R |
If we talk about cleaning the air from dust, allergens and odors without the participation of water, then the choice of gadgets becomes many times larger. The devices differ in size, performance, design, and most importantly, what air purification filters are inside and how many there are. But for the most part, all devices of this type have high power and can quickly purify the air in the room. The design of dry cleaning systems includes more than powerful fan, which forcefully draws air from the room and drives it through the filtration system. The main types of filters found in such systems are:
- Coarse air filter. Typically a mesh or porous material that can trap large contaminants, such as dust bunnies or animal hair.
- Fine filters. They usually look like a fabric or paper material folded like an accordion. The filter material has many pores, which, due to an unusual bend, overlap each other, forming a fine-mesh non-linear sieve. Such filters trap dust particles and most allergens.
- HEPA filters. Today, such filters are the most effective for air purification. They trap even the smallest and most dangerous pollutant particles, such as PM2.5, tiny allergens such as dust mite secretions, and so on. Taking all this into account, a HEPA filter for air in an apartment is necessary; without it, the entire cleaning system will be incomplete. We have already described the technology of their operation in detail in this article.
- AK filter, also known as adsorption-catalytic filter. If, in addition to dust, allergens and harmful particles, you want to protect yourself from unpleasant odors, then the air purification system in your apartment must include such a filter. Inside the filter there is a special material that literally “draws” gas molecules into itself and securely locks them inside. Some manufacturers make variations of the AK filter, for example, standard and enhanced, if the sources of unpleasant odor are very strong or are too close to the room. Carbon and photocatalytic filters perform the same functions.
The best air purifier for an apartment, of course, will contain both filters to clean the air from dust and protection from allergens, harmful particles and unpleasant odors. Most often, the disadvantages of such devices include energy consumption and noise levels. In fact, a high-quality air purifier consumes no more energy than other household appliances (and often several times less), and the noise created by the gadget is of an aerodynamic nature, caused by the passage of air through the filter system. However, with the help of new technologies and materials, some models have gotten rid of this noise and now work so quietly that sometimes questions arise as to whether the device is turned on at all :)
Who cares: additional functions in air purifiers
When choosing which air purifier is best for your home, people usually pay attention not only to the number of filters, but also to additional features. Let's look at the most popular of them.
| Function | Purpose | Principle of operation |
| Ionization | Saturation of the air with useful, according to the manufacturer, negatively and positively charged ions. | Ionization is a rather debated process, and there is currently no single authoritative opinion on it. Some say that ions are practically a panacea, others call them dangerous for humans. We examined this process in detail in another, and taking into account all the features and possible side effects, for ionization it is best to use a separate gadget with an adjustable operating time. |
| Aromatization | Filling the air with pleasant aromas through the use of aromatic liquids. | Aromatization works on the principle of an air freshener, spraying a concentrated fragrance in liquid or gaseous form into the room. How rational it is to add aromatization to an air purifier is an open question, since a filter for air purification in an apartment often includes odor removal, which means the air purifier itself will eliminate the work of the aromatizer. |
| Hydration | Saturation of air with water vapor. | Humidification is one of the most popular additional features in air purifiers. On the one hand, air humidity is very important for normal operation human body, and it is necessary to maintain it at normal levels, on the other hand, creating a humid environment near the filters of the purifier is short-sighted, since this is where all the harmful microorganisms gather, which, if a suitable environment is created, can begin to actively multiply and actually turn the purifier into a source of infection. |
Air disinfection is most often confused with air purification. It represents the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and, perhaps, this function is worth dwelling on separately. Air disinfection is most relevant in the medical field, but it can also be very useful in everyday life. Even the best quality home air filter can capture harmful microorganisms, but does not destroy them. In modern air purifiers, two methods of air disinfection are most often used:
- Photocatalytic filter with UV lamp. Photocatalysis and UV radiation have been used together for quite a long time, allowing them to solve two problems at once - unpleasant odors and the destruction of microorganisms. Unfortunately, the age of this technology has also become its main problem - now many viruses and bacteria are already resistant to UV radiation, and such irradiation itself is not always safe for humans. We have already examined UV lamps and their scope of application in detail in another; now there is no point in retelling the entire history of this issue. If you are using an air purifier with a UV lamp, strictly follow the instructions for use.
- Inactivation of microorganisms. Modern technology, which deprives all pathogens of the ability to reproduce, inactivating them with ozone produced inside the device. Thus, the purifier and air disinfectant complement each other: HEPA filters trap pests, and the disinfection system immediately inactivates them, leaving the air purifier itself sterile. At the same time, filters are provided to decompose the ozone created in the device, so that additional ozonation does not occur in the room. Now inactivation is implemented only in a few models, for example in Tion air, but we believe that the future lies with this technology and will soon be used to protect their health in every home.
Also, if we talk about multifunctional gadgets with air purification, we cannot fail to mention. These devices provide a constant flow fresh air at closed windows, cleaning it using three levels of filtration - protection from coarse dust, thorough cleaning from the smallest harmful particles and allergens with a HEPA filter of at least H11 class, retention of molecules of harmful gases and unpleasant odors. In addition, the breather heats the air to the selected temperature and automatically maintains it. The most advanced models are connected to the MagicAir smart microclimate system and automatically regulate the supply of fresh air in the house. In addition, there are models with a recirculation mode, in which the air that is already in the room is quietly purified and heated, that is, one device immediately performs the functions
A good air purifier is a useful purchase for a home where allergy sufferers, children, and the elderly live. It is very important to choose a device that will last for many years, be effective and comfortable to use.
Criteria for choosing a good air purifier
Maximum air exchange
It is known that when efficient work The device should pass the air in the room through itself 2-3 times in 1 hour. Therefore, calculate the volume of the room (in cubic meters) and multiply this number by three, and then compare the result with the parameters of different air purifiers.
Filters used
There are several types of filters: electrostatic, ozonating, photocatalytic, water, carbon, HEPA filters. Each has its pros and cons. High-quality models are characterized by the presence of several filters at once, i.e. multi-stage cleaning.
Ease of maintenance
There are 2 points to consider:
- the time you are willing to spend on caring for the device. If an electrostatic filter requires washing no more than once a week, and a photocatalytic filter - once every six months, then air washers need daily attention (changing and adding water);
- the presence of replaceable blocks in the design, the cost and frequency of their replacement.
Additional functions
These are indicators, displays, backlights, timers, aromatization, UV lamps, etc. The most important “bonus” feature that is worth paying for is the ability to control air humidification.
Air purifiers-humidifiers
Air washers
Washings simultaneously humidify and clean the air from dust and other contaminants. An important advantage of these devices is that you don’t need to buy them. Consumables. Air humidification and purification is carried out without the use of replaceable filters.
For cleaning, air is forced either through a system of water-moistened disks or through a water curtain forced by a fan.
This is another advantage of air washers - the water evaporates naturally, and the humidity in the room cannot rise above a comfortable 60%. The disadvantages of these devices include noise and decent dimensions.
Climate complexes for air purification and humidification
Multifunctional devices that combine three separate devices in a single housing: a full-fledged air purifier, a humidifier with traditional “cold” evaporation and an ionizer.
Advantages of climate systems:
- The presence of an intelligent control system for air quality and relative humidity levels, which allows the device to be used in automatic mode;
- High degree of air purification with or without humidification (unlike classic air washers).
Flaw:
- The need to periodically replace “dry” and (or) humidifying filters.
The chemical industry is moving forward by leaps and bounds, and today in technological processes thousands of anthropogenic compounds are involved, many of which have, to put it mildly, an unpleasant and often disgusting “aroma.”
In this regard, the interest of industry representatives in equipment that can effectively carry out such a process as cleaning or air filtration from odors.
Moreover, in the context of considering the topic of air pollution with foul-smelling compounds, both aesthetic and toxicological aspects should be noted. In addition to simple discomfort caused, for example, by a small concentration of skatole, mercaptans or amines in the workshop, the smell may indicate the presence of much more dangerous substances in the industrial atmosphere.
The origin of the word “mercaptan” is interesting. It is formed by shortening the English expression Mer cury Capt ure (mercury capture) due to the ability to effectively bind mercury-containing compounds.
Olfactometric oil odor map after a collision between two oil barges, USA, Texas, May 11, 2019, source: Houston Weather Service
In addition, one must consider the fact that many of the dangerous, carcinogenic and mutagenic gases and liquids are odorless (and some, for example, smell pleasant), being invisible but merciless killers.
Therefore, if there is the slightest suspicion of a hazardous substance leak, you should immediately consider updating or upgrading your current filtration infrastructure.
For more than three decades, PZGO LLC has occupied a leading position in the Russian market of gas purification equipment, industrial aspiration and ventilation systems, the average efficiency of which in relation to purification (filtration, separation and disposal) of unwanted gases, aerosols, mists, fumes and vapors tends to 100% .
Odorous substances as obvious markers of pollution, some MPCs
In general, the presence of an unpleasant “spirit” in an industrial atmosphere indicates that the substance already dissipated, left the place of its deployment, and in this case it is possible to clear the air of the smell only through centralized ventilation. Moreover, sticky and oily aerosols that coat production surfaces often cannot be removed using an air suction device.
To prevent odorous/unwanted components from entering the aeroclimate of a workshop or site, it is necessary to install filters and ventilation ducts precisely in those places where the concentration of the pollutant is maximum: above the digesters of the food plant, heating / frying lines, above mixing tanks, at the outlet of the paint booth, above the laser machine.
Table: Maximum concentration limits for some dangerous and foul-smelling chemicals
| Connection / chemical element | Maximum permissible concentration of pollutant in work area mg/m3 |
| Ammonia | 15 |
| Hydrogen arsenide | 0,3 |
| Acetone (dimethyl ketone) | 180 |
| Bromoform (tyrbromomethane) | 5 |
| Butanoic (butyric) acid | 10 |
| Whitespirit | 300 |
| Vinyl acetate | 20 |
| DDT | 0,1 |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) | 10 |
| Chlorine dioxide | 0,1 |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) | 5 |
| Dichlorobenzene | 20 |
| Dichloroethane (ethylene chloride) | 10 |
| Yellow phosphorus | 0,03 |
| Iodine | 1 |
| Camphor (C 10 H 16 O) | 3 |
| Xylene (dimethylbenzene) | 40 |
| Methyl alcohol | 50 |
| Naphthalene | 20 |
| Ozone (O3) | 0,1 |
| Mercury vapor | 0,01 |
| Hydrogen sulfide | 10 |
| Carbon sulfide | 10 |
| Turpentine (turpentine oil) | 250 |
| Tetraethyl lead (TEP) | 0,05 |
| Carbon tetrachloride (freon-10) | 20 |
| Titanium tetrachloride | 1 |
| Toluene (Tolu Balsam) | 50 |
| Acetic acid | 5 |
| Formaldehyde | 5 |
| Phosgene (carbonic acid chloride) | 0,5 |
| Hydrogen fluoride (HF) | 0,5 |
| Hydrogen chloride (HCl) | 5 |
| Chlorophos (ricifon) | 0,5 |
| Hydrogen cyanide | 0,2 |
| Ethanol | 1000 |
Many of the above compounds are familiar to everyone: vinegar, ethyl alcohol, camphor oil, naphthalene, acetone. But it is better not to get acquainted with substances such as phosgene (which, by the way, smells like rotten mown grass).
Despite the fact that phosgene was developed as a weapon of mass destruction for the fronts of the First World War, it is still used today in organic synthesis plants. Phosgene is one of the key components in the production of polycarbonate. There is NO antidote to treat phosgene poisoning.
Filters and equipment for neutralizing industrial odors
When considering air odor filters, it should be noted that the capture of industrial odorants is carried out by the same types of equipment that are designed to provide “traditional” air purification from harmful or unwanted impurities. The logic here is straightforward: there is no substance - there is nothing to smell. The better the pollutant is removed from the air, the more favorable (and safe) it will be for breathing.
Thioketones – Probably the strongest-smelling compounds. For example, you can smell thioacetone when it is present in the air in a volume ratio of 1/10*12. To make it clearer, compare a piece of paper with the area of the Moscow region
One of the most extensive and important areas in gas purification are wet (absorption) and dry (adsorption) approaches. Let's evaluate both methods using the example of removing some common foul-smelling pollutants.
Methods for removing hydrogen sulfide odor
Hydrogen sulfide is clearly felt already at a concentration of 1.5 mg/m3 (and the lethal concentration is only 0.1% of inhaled air). The danger of H 2 S lies not only in its toxicological effects, but also in its ability to create explosive mixtures with air.
Hydrogen sulfide odor filters are especially in demand due to the fact that at a certain concentration, hydrogen sulfide paralyzes the olfactory nerve, and the smell of rotten eggs is no longer perceptible to humans. The negative impact of gas on the body continues.
Chemical odor removal can be carried out using both wet absorbers and dry adsorption columns. Each deodorization method has its own advantages, which are fully revealed in specific production conditions.
Please note that the functionality of the devices described below also correlates with the detention any other odoriferous, toxic or technologically undesirable components of the air flow.
Wet sorption in scrubbers and absorption plants
Absorption is the process of retention gas component in the volume of liquid reagent. In the case of hydrogen sulfide, alkaline solutions demonstrate maximum reagent efficiency.
Particular example:H 2S+NaOH (caustic soda solution) →NaHS (sodium hydrosulfide) +H 2O
Sodium hydrosulfide obtained as a result of air purification measures can be disposed of economically. As for the physical aspects of the interaction of the pollutant with the absorbent, it is possible the following options execution of devices (the choice of which depends on the conditions of the site and the wishes of the Customer).
Video presentation of an absorption plant for the absorption of fluorine and hydrogen chloride from sludge
To obtain detailed information on the devices, their characteristics and principles of operation, please follow the blue links (they will open in a new window).
- Gas capture in . The working chamber is filled with stationary bodies with a large specific surface area, on top of which an alkaline solution is sprayed. Deodorization occurs at the interphase boundary of the liquid microfilm;
- Hydrogen sulfide recovery (especially in combination with other pollutants) in (APID). The working chamber is filled with polypropylene balls, which move chaotically (boil) in an alkaline solution;
- The air purifier for smoke and odors can be made in the form of. The main factor in the retention (deblocker) of the pollutant is a self-sustaining layer of unstable foam formed on the surface of the supporting perforated plates due to the passage of air flow through the holes.
Each of the units, when selecting the right absorbent, is capable of showing odor purification efficiency in the range of 96-99.9%.
The advantages of wet cleaning performed by scrubbers of the ShV series are:
- Ability to process wet environments without prior drying - aerosol mists, vapors, fumes, emulsions, suspensions;
- Possibility of parallel operation as a dust collector, including for the retention of sticky, viscous, clumping dusts of high concentrations, as well as ash, soot (combining mechanical and chemical deactivation of the flow);
- Processing of high-temperature environments, including those with high chemical activity (sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, HCl, H 2 SO 4, carbon disulfide, H 2 S);
- Sorbent filters with rational selection of reagents can generate valuable sludge;
- Self-cleaning, no need to replace any functional elements;
- Flexibility, simplicity, quick changeover, full automation of work, affordability, durability and reliability.
Deodorization of gases in adsorption blocks
Another type of chemical odor neutralization is dry adsorption. has its own important features:
- The method is regenerative. This means that the captured components can be subsequently extracted from the adsorbent (for example, after treating hydrogen sulfide from activated carbon, high-purity elemental sulfur can be extracted);
- A wide selection of sorbents allows you to effectively retain the widest range of odorants;
- Adsorbers are not intended for processing humidified streams (in the case of processing humid media, to maintain the nominal efficiency of the device, a dryer must be installed in front of the column);
- There is a need for regeneration (purging) of the absorbent, as well as - periodically - a complete reload of the deblocker (activated carbon, silica gel, zeolite) due to overgrowing of active pores;
- Among other things, it is desirable to install two or more adsorbers at once: one operates in deodorizer mode, the second in filler regeneration mode.
Adsorbent granules – activated carbon
At the same time, adsorption columns show ≈ 100% efficiency against a variety of gaseous pollutants, which makes it extremely rational to use them as final, sanitary links in multi-stage systems and complexes of industrial air and gas purification.
Deodorization of spray booths
Air purification from paint odors paint booth can be carried out effectively using wet scrubbers model range"SHV".
Powder painting process
We will quickly deliver gas cleaning, ventilation and suction equipment throughout Russia, the CIS, Europe and Asia and – if necessary – we will carry out fast and professional installation, commissioning and commissioning.
PZGO LLC – breathe easy!
