Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.
Issue link: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/206370
Needlepoint bi-polar ionization allows for safe and efficient removal of harmful substances from the air. When energized, stainless steel needles within the generation device create cold plasma that splits water molecules in the air, producing positive and negative ions without generating ozone. Ions surround harmful particles such as airborne mold, virus, bacteria and allergens. Then a chemical reaction occurs at the molecular level, depriving pathogens of life-sustaining hydrogen and severing proteins on the cell membrane, preventing reproduction. When in contact with VOCs, ions cause the compound to break into one or more of four basic elements of the atmosphere: oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or water vapor. Because ions are naturally present in the air, the process of generating ions simply "super-charges" it, boosting its defenses against pollutants. Traditionally, hospital HVAC systems use various forms of gas-phase filtration to clean the air supply. Activated carbon is widely used with varying levels of success. Some carbon filters load quickly with pollutants, rendering them ineffective, and in humid climates they can absorb water vapor, limiting their efficacy. Additional fan motor power is necessary to overcome internal resistance and carbon materials need regular replacement. NBPI can replace gas-phase filtration, eliminate associated air-flow resistance and greatly reduce time and expense resulting from carbon materials replacement. NBPI effectively keeps wet cooling coils free of bacteria, mold and fungal growth. When installed on the upstream side of the coils, an NBPI system is unobtrusive to the airflow and can deliver ions through the ductwork into the occupied space to effectively decrease surface microbial counts and subsequently reduce hospital-acquired infections. Additionally, ions interact with oppositely charged particles causing them to agglomerate, creating larger and heavier particles that can be more effectively trapped on any down-stream filtration. NBPI is a safe, energy-efficient technology that combats VOC pollutants, molds and pathogens. By eliminating air-flow pressure drop and with savings from reduced maintenance and materials, NBPI offers a return on investment in months rather than years, making it a viable filtration option for hospitals to consider. A TRIFECTA OF BENEFITS Actively polarized media filtration and needlepoint bi-polar ionization can contribute substantial energy savings when installed in systems that comply with outdoor ventilation rate reductions based on IAQ procedures that allow the use of gas-phase cleaning and high-efficiency particulate filters. An owner may save on average more than $35,000 a year on utility bills by reducing the outdoor air quantity by 10 CFM/person through a single 20,000 CFM, 100 percent outdoor air unit operating 24/7. Recent technological innovations have resulted in an impressive array of IAQ solutions for healthcare. Ultimately, needlepoint bi-polar ionization and polarized media filtration improve the patient experience, reduce energy and maintenance costs and extend HVAC equipment life, creating a "trifecta" of benefits producing dramatic results and impressive returns on investment. David N. Schurk, DES, CEM, LEED-AP, CDSM, SFP, is director of healthcare accounts for HTS Texas. 52 Medical Construction & Design | November/December 2013 www.mcdmag.com