INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA of transmission of COVID-19 infection . Waves of infection and new variants are constantly appearing .
Therefore , the use of air filtration as a mechanical intervention is sensible when people are present and occupying the data centre building indoor areas .
Particle air filters tested to International Technical Standards EN1822 and ISO16890 offer accurately measured performance of particle removal efficiency .
For standalone air cleaners and air purifiers , EN1822 Hepa filters class H14 are recommended . These are 99.995 % efficient at MPPS most penetrating particle size which is typically about 0.12 to 0.16 micron ( about the same size as the COVID-19 virus ).
For general HVAC air filtration , ISO16890 at least ePM1 80 % total efficiency filters are advised . PM1 particles are those sized at one micron and below and include the virus size and small airborne droplet aerosol sizes that stay airborne for long periods . ISO16890 allows calculation of multistage filter efficiency .
So for example , two stages of ePM1 70 % gives 90 % PM1 efficiency and three stages give over 97 % PM1 efficiency . Removal of infectious particles from air to this efficiency will give people a high-level of protection against infection when they breathe in the cleaner air .
Tightly sealed air filter mountings to EN1886 guidelines will ensure high filtration efficiency is achieved in HVAC systems using ISO16890 tested air filters . The latest ASHRAE Core COVID-19 guidance advises using a combination of
Peter Dyment , Technical Manager – Camfil Ltd
filters and air cleaners for air recirculated by HVAC systems .
Air monitoring ( PM1 , PM2.5 ) and control devices are increasingly being used to confirm delivery of clean , healthy air .
Protecting people will also afford greater protection to the data centre plant and improve staff working efficiently . ◊
Air monitoring ( PM1 , PM2.5 ) and control devices are increasingly being used to confirm delivery of clean , healthy air . www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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