System for air temperature maintenance with air cleaning feature

Abstract

In a system for cleaning, and for maintaining a desired temperature in, the air within the interior of a building, an activated carbon filter is disposed in a filter housing forming part of a conduit connected from a supply duct to a return duct. Air flows through the activated carbon filter as a result of the difference between the pressures of the air in the respective ducts, and substantially the entire quantity of air within the building is passed through the carbon filter in a short time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to systems for maintaining the air within the interior of a building at a desired temperature, such as forced-air heating systems, air-conditioning systems, and combined forced-air heating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) systems. The invention relates particularly to an easily installed apparatus for cleaning the air as it circulates through the system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many homes and commercial buildings are plagued by indoor pollutants and odors from various sources such as new construction materials, cleaning chemicals, cooking, and pets. Pollutants also enter buildings from the outside, and can be troublesome especially where there are high levels of outdoor pollution. The problem of pollutants and odors can be especially severe in commercial establishments such as nail salons, hair salons, pet stores, and other buildings in which chemicals are used regularly. Even in buildings where there is no noticeable con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes the limitations of conventional filters in removing odors and pollutants in gas or vapor form and the need for carbon filters to replace them. However, carbon filters have limited adsorption capacity due to their airflow restrictions, and can quickly become clogged with dirt. This limits their effectiveness in removing pollutants. The text also mentions the use of fiber filters preceding carbon filters to improve their effectiveness, but air velocities still restrict efficient removal of pollutants.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional filters, including fiber filters and electrostatic filters, although effective in removal of airborne particulate matter, are ineffective in the removal of odors and pollutants in gas or vapor form.

Carbon filters are capable of adsorption of gas and vapor, but require a relatively long contact time to be effective.

Carbon filters quickly become clogged with dirt, and also tend to restrict air flow.

Therefore, the amount of carbon in these filters is limited in order to minimize restriction of air flow.

The limitation on the amount of carbon, in turn, limits the filters' adsorption capacity.

However in such an arrangement, and also when a carbon filter is used by itself, the air velocities are such that the contact time is too short for the carbon filter to remove pollutants efficiently.

The system can be used in commercial buildings such as nail or hair salons, pet stores, and other buildings in which VOCs and other chemicals of various kinds are used, and in any residence or commercial building the interior of which is liable to be contaminated by airborne gases, vapors and odors.

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