About Air Conditioners

Air conditioner in present times is undoubtedly very common equipment for home. They have developed into commonly prevalent that we rarely notice their presence in our homes. There are somewhat three kinds of conditioning likewise portable, split-system and central. They mainly work with the help of an evaporator known as indoor cool coil, which works along with condenser as well as pump in order to maintain cool air. It is necessary for you to understand the proper size of air conditioner that your room requires.Room air conditioner basically cools the room and its size determines the amount of rooms it would cool. Some of the air conditioners draw less electricity and thus can be easily plugged into, but huge air conditioners basically require their own voltage circuit. Room air conditioner, which make use of latest technology of evaporation are the most famous among all and you can also expect to spend little more on them. Air conditioner which one can simply shift from one place to another, commonly called as portable air conditioner are much more in demand. These air conditioners mainly facilitate priceless services to so many warehouse as well as business owners in meticulous, where the employees require invariable air conditioning at the place where they are working.

Portable air conditioner basically makes use of covers that mainly envelop them totally. The zippers running throughout their whole length on edges can protect them over body of air conditioner. Air conditioner cover is used mainly to protect the machine from unfavorable conditions of weather like extreme heat, cold drafts, dew and condensation.

Window air conditioners are mainly used in small offices as well as homes, but theta re little bit expensive than portable air conditioners that mainly depends upon their tonnage. Very often these air conditioners are required by people temporarily and prefer to engage them on rent and pay money on monthly basis.

Window air conditioners, as the name suggests mainly fits on the windows frame and installing require small amount of carpentry. After air conditioner gets installed, all the gaps between body and its frame are then sealed in order to avert any breeze from entering into the room.

Without clean air conditioner filters in the conditioner, the parts will not be able to produce dirt free air for your room. It is suggested to replace the filters regularly of the conditioner that mainly depends upon air quality for your indoor and immediate environment. Wall air conditioners and bed air conditioners are other types of air conditioning fittings which can be portrayed in your house.

Because of deficiency of ample of time, it becomes simply impossible for people to visit stores to store in order to obtain the price quotes as well as details. Thus, to avoid certain hassles you can search the Internet and can also process the queries you want to ask. What all you need to do is search for the offerings that websites are providing concerning air conditioners, price quotes and their maintenance.

The engine of any vehicle has a lot of enemies. Primary of these are dust and dirty road particles that any vehicle can get as it treks through the road. Mercedes cars are not spared from these enemies. The role of the Mercedes air filter is to defend the Mercedes engine from harmful components. It works the same way as our nose and nostrils ? it allows the vehicle to breathe easily. So while the Mercedes air filter is responsible for filtering the bad elements out, it allows the maximum amount of air to enter the engine. Composed of paper and foam like the usual air filter, the Mercedes air filter makes sure the engine is always clean and the car is always in top performance.

Air filters like Mercedes air filters usually come in three types: paper, cotton or foam. Paper air filters are the most often used since these are less expensive and are disposable. However, performance enthusiasts often choose foam air filters as such have higher retention levels much like cotton gauze, thus allowing better air intake. Foam air filters are most often used in racing circuits. Nevertheless, cotton is still considered as the best material for filtration, as cotton air filters can be cleansed and re-oiled. However, cotton air filters are not suited to varying environments and are not preferred in dusty areas, deserts and places with very high temperature.

Essential for the maximum function of the Mercedes air filter is a good supply of air coming into the engine. This air is mixed with fuel and sparks from the spark plug. The air that we breathe contains many dirty particles and substances that could cause as much damage to us as to the internal components of our engines. It is the Mercedes air filter?s role to put out these unwanted components and maintain the cleanliness of the engine.

With the unquestionable popularity of Mercedes cars, the demand for Mercedes air filters in the market never wavers. Thus, Mercedes air filters are always in the stock of car parts and aftermarket sellers. Furthermore, Mercedes air filters are not just fit for Mercedes cars, as these air filters can also be used in non-Mercedes cars. Even non-Mercedes owners can enjoy the Mercedes riding experience with the Mercedes air filter. The latest upgraded Mercedes air filter offers a lot, as it allows air to flow better and filters more harmful substances out of the air. It is reusable as well and often lasts as long as the vehicle.

Like other air filters in the market, the Mercedes air filter needs to be changed regularly to make sure is still delivers to its top potential. For average driving, yearly changing of the Mercedes air filter is the suggested change interval. If you?d rather not throw out your Mercedes air filters, you may upgrade to a reusable Mercedes air filter. A reusable Mercedes air filter may have a lifespan as long as that of your car if it is cleaned and maintained properly. Furthermore, it has been proven that reusable Mercedes air filter elements flow more air than a stock Mercedes air filter, so a boost in engine power and torque is achieved.

Meanwhile for your Mercedes parts needs like Mercedes accessories, visit your trusted online source.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.

Air conditioners are not cheap. You definitely do not want to be buying a new one every year or so. A bit of preventive work can make them last.

One of the biggest problems with most air conditioning units made today is that they are tough, and well built. This may not seem like much of a problem, but what happens is that most home owners become very complacent about their air conditioners. They continue to run and run year after year, and many people tend to worry little about them as long as the air is cool and comfortable. The truth is that without routine maintenance, a normal air conditioning unit loses about 5% of its efficiency each year. This means that within a short time your powerful SEER 13 unit is working more like an older SEER 8.

A good air conditioner can last 15 years, or even longer, with just routine maintenance. It will also operate at its rated capacity for most of that period. Much of the maintenance that is required to keep your unit up to snuff is inexpensive and easy to perform. The first step is to make routine inspections of your unit to discover any potential problems. The best time to perform any air conditioner maintenance is a little bit before it is needed. Check all hoses for leaks and make sure the condensate tube is draining freely.

Filters are critical to the proper and economical operation of the air conditioning unit. They should be inspected often and changed or cleaned monthly. This is even more important during the summer months when there is a higher level of dust and pollutants in the air, and, of course, the units are running more frequently. Other methods of insuring maximum air flow through the system include cleaning and vacuuming of the registers and air vents. You should also insure that furniture and drapes are not blocking registers.

The outside compressor should be cleaned with a hose. Plantings should be kept at least a foot away, and grass and weeds should be trimmed to insure adequate air flow around the unit. Remove any debris from the fan area. During the winter months, the compressor should be covered. It is also a good idea to remove any window air conditioners during the winter, and store them until they are again needed. A yearly tune up of your air conditioner by a certified technician can cost between $50 and $100, but can result in as much as a 5% reduction in yearly operating cost.

You can also increase the life of your air conditioner by finding ways to not have to use it. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperature to decrease use at night or when the house is vacant. Simple things like ceiling fans or attic ventilation fans can reduce the demand on the air conditioner. Even planting trees to increase shade or using drapes over windows facing the sun can help. Reduction of use combined with proper maintenance can increase the life span of any air conditioner. One important safety consideration is to make sure that all power is turned off to the air conditioner before performing any maintenance.

Quinton Williams is with AirConditioningRepairCompanies.com - your resource for air conditioning information.

When was the last time you changed the air filter in your home? Was it dirty? Disgusting I know. Do you ever wonder how your house…your home could be so infected with air pollutants? Embarrassing as it may be you are not alone.

After replacing my own filters, I found myself wondering where in the world does all this dirt come from? “There are only three people living in my home and I just changed these things 45 days ago.” Sound familiar? Now sitting in your office, look up at the supply air grille above you. How clean do you suppose the air is?that cool, refreshing perk that you take for granted? Hmmmm?

According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, the average employed American works a 46-hour work week 38% of the respondents in their study worked more than 50 hours per week. My math tells me that we spend an average of 9-10 hours a day at the office. Are you concerned about the indoor air quality in your building yet? Well, you should be so keep reading.

Side Note: “IAQ (indoor air quality) can impact the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rand IAQ among the most serious environmental problems in the country. With most Americans spending up to 90% of their time indoors, IAQ has become a major concern.” Source: Kimberly Clark.

IAQ has been written about so many times that when researching this topic, Google went into search engine overload. From the EPA, to U.S. Senators, to Green Peace and inspiring authors such as myself, IAQ has always been a hot topic. This month?s edition of Mechanical Matters? is dedicated to IAQ and why proper air filtration program is important. I will discuss the effects of IAQ, and what precautions building owners and managers alike can do to keep their investment healthy. But first let?s learn a little about IAQ and the definition as presented in the world?s free encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals (such as carbon monoxide, radon), allergens, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce health effects. Recent findings have demonstrated that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air (albeit with different pollutants) although this has not changed the common understanding of air pollution. In fact, indoor air is often a greater health hazard than the corresponding outdoor setting. Using ventilation to dilute contaminants, filtration, and source control are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings.Source: Wikipedia (Indoor Air Quality).

What potential pollutants exist throughout a building? Below is a list of harmful bacteria?s, gases, and other pollutants that can exist in a building?s air system, again provided by Wikipedia:

1. Radon
2. Molds and other Allergen
3. Carbon Monoxide
4. Legionella, Legionellosis or Legionnaire's Disease
5. Asbestos Fibers
6. Pollen
7. Dust
8. Spores
9. Bacteria
10. Viruses

Now, are you a little concerned? Before you get too excited please know that these repulsive contaminants can be defeated with proper air filtration and ventilation. Remember how dirty the air filter in your home was the last time you replaced it? It?s that disgusting because it?s doing its job. Air filtration is one of the most important weapons in our fight against poor IAQ, followed closely by ventilation and humidity control. While Asbestos and Radon are still a threat to older buildings, stricter building codes enforced by the both the U.S. Federal Government and State legislation have prevented their uses in new buildings. However, Molds, Allergens, Bacteria, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide can creep in no matter how old or new your building is.

Entire books have been written about IAQ. So, before I turn this article into a book, I will direct my focus on the most commonly method of IAQ maintenance, air filtration. I will however, provide a list of links to various websites that I used for my research on IAQ. These links can be found at bottom of this article for your review.

While researching air filtration, I decided to turn the professionals for help. Lynn Stage of Commercial Filter Maintenance (CFM) is who I choose for all my clients air filtration needs. Lynn?s company not only manufacturer?s air filters, but his dedicated service team provides filter service to thousands of buildings in the Mid-South. Filter service may not be a glamorous job, or maybe that is your job. Regardless, this service could very well be the life or death of your building if not taking seriously. In my interview, I asked Lynn about his air filters and how his filters meet the requirements needed to prevent poor IAQ.

During my research on IAQ and learning about all the potential contaminants as listed above, the thought crossed my mind about the type of filters we provide for my clients. As I stated earlier, I use CFM for all my filter services. So in my interview with Lynn Stage, he explained to me that his 2″ Pro Pleat filters are manufactured to a MERV 8 rating or higher. MERV, what's that? MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and take its name from the ASHRAE standard 52.5 which addresses indoor air quality. If you are not familiar with ASHRAE, just think of them as the authors of our 'HVAC Bible', or go to their web site www.ashrae.org.

“Ok. So we are using the right filter in most applications, but how many times should they be replaced?” Again I turned to the professionals for the answer. Commercial Filter Maintenance, Company recommends that most commercial buildings have there filters replaced at least 4 times per year. For even better systems efficiency they would recommend 6 times per year or monthly depending on the buildings indoor environment.

Side Note: Because poor IAQ can negatively effect the health of a building's occupants, it can become very costly to employers. Studies have shown how poor IAQ can significantly influence the occurrence of respiratory illnesses, allergy &amp asthma symptoms, worker productivity, motivation and performance. In my research I even read one study that said, “For every 10 workers, poor IAQ caused an additional 6 sick days per year. A filter upgrade is one of the least expensive alternatives to improve IAQ.

In my experience with building owners I have seen very poor indoor air quality. The common denominator shared was that while they may have been using the right filter, they weren't being replaced enough. Filtering Particulate matter from the air is not a difficult thing to do. However, building owners and managers alike struggle with this task…a lot! In manufacturing facilities, the maintenance department, whose number priority is the production equipment, sometimes are asked to take on the responsibility of HVAC systems. However, when the production equipment fails, as it normally does, the HVAC maintenance/filter program often plays second fiddle, and is eventually forgotten.

Once I interviewed a Chief Engineer at a very large manufacturing facility whose name I will not mention. They employee over 1,000 people and their fully air conditioned, 630,000 square foot facility was in dire need of a better air filtration program. The engineer explained to me that because of the fumes, ink and other particle matter the production equipment produced, his filters needed to be replaced twice per month. Unbeknownst of the current condition of his systems and IAQ, he bragged on how efficient his maintenance department was at replacing the filters. After my survey I was convinced that the filter schedule wasn't up to par so I discretely wrote my initials on one of the filters. Eight months later I went back to this plant and to the particular unit where I left my mark. Yep, you guessed it. My initials were still there. According to the engineer his maintenance department had missed 16 scheduled filter replacements. According to the maintenance men, they don't have time to take care of the HVAC equipment. That is where a filter company such as CFM can help.

If you were wondering about the condition of the Indoor Air Quality at this particular plant, it was bad. So, bad that quite frequently people went home with headaches and drowsiness. The EPA and OSHA have made an appearance at this facility and their findings were just as I expected. I wasn't the first to bring their IAQ issues to the table. Apparently their own employees did plenty of complaining up the corporate ladder.

Wrap Up:

Writing this article was no easy task. With so much written on the topic of IAQ and air filtration it was difficult to keep this article under 2000 words. For the purpose of an online magazine I have to be careful not to inundate my readers with too much information at one time. So before I bore you to sleep, let me wrap up this edition and review what we have learned:
? IAQ should not be taking lightly.
? There are many harmful pollutants that can enter your buildings indoor air environment.
? Air filtration is one of the best practices in the fight against poor indoor air.
? For most commercial buildings, a MERV 8 Pleated Filter (or higher) is highly recommended for clean IAQ and system efficiencies.
? For most commercial buildings, it is highly recommended to schedule your filter replacements at least 4 times per year.
? Last but not least, always turn to the experts when dealing with air filtration services.

“If you lacerated your finger, would you try and sow it back together yourself, or would you let a professional doctor attend to it?” The same can be said of your HVAC systems and air filtration. Lynn Stage and his team at Commercial Filter Maintenance are the professionals. They can provide you a recommended filter service plan specifically designed for your building. Call them today, you'll be glad you did.

Last but not least. If you were to ask me what would be the top three things you could do to improve IAQ, they would be:
1. Improved intake controls through HVAC instrumentation and ventilation design
2. Regular HVAC maintenance
3. Use of adequate high efficiency air filters

To fully comprehend IAQ dynamics, just do as I did and 'Google' the topic. This article is but a small glimpse at IAQ. As I stated before, many books have been written the cause and effects of poor IAQ Listed below are several organizations that are dedicated to the improvement of IAQ. Feel free to click on any of the links to learn more.

“Until next to please remember to leave the Mechanical Matters? to us!”

James “Jimmy V” Veteto
Solutions Provider, S.M. Lawrence Company, Inc.
Author and Web Designer of Mechanical Matters?
www.jimmyveteto.com
www.mechanicalmatters.com
(901) 378-7655
jimmyv@smlawrence.com

EPA: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html
NAFA: http://www.nafahq.org/Articles/Article005.htm
OSHA: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/

This article is an extension to “Mechanical Air Conditioners - Part I - Operating Principle”, and I will be talking about AC parts used in mechanical air conditioners.

Air conditioner parts that we put into a mechanical AC, should conform to the operating principle. Air conditioning parts for this type of equipment are divided into three categories. The,

Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this modern age, that requires air cleaners. There are a few different methods of air cleaning, like Filtration, Electro-static Precipitation and Ion Generation. Air Filtration cleans air through the removal of sub-micron particulate, gases and odors. If you are plagued by allergies or asthma, an air filter might help you. Air filters are the best tools for eradicating allergens from the house. Particularly for those people who are suffering from asthma and allergies, both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association recommend air filtration.

The ability to remove allergens and contaminants depends on the amount of air drawn through the filter. Factors that affect filter efficiency include fiber size, fiber density, airflow rate, and particle diameter. Air filters may be centralized, in-home filtration systems or portable devices. When the air quality problems exist throughout the house, then a centralized filtration system is needed. Otherwise, portable cleaner may serve the purpose of air filtration.

There are four major types of air filters, depending on specific needs. They are:

Mechanical Filters

These filters force air through a special screen that traps pollen, dust particulate, smoke and air-borne irritants and pet dander. The best example of this type of filters is HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

Gas Phase Filters

These air filters are used for removing odors and other types of pollutants such as gases from cooking, paints, perfume etc. These filters are not meant for the removal of allergens in the home.

Electronic Filters

In these types of filters, allergens are trapped through electrostatic precipitators with a fan. Electronic filters use electric charges to attract contaminants.

Hybrid Filters

These air filters combine electrostatic and mechanical filters. These are used to trap allergens rather than gas based contaminants.

Another type of air filters is the Ozone air filter, but it is not environment-friendly.

When purchasing an air filter, one has to consider things like which type of allergens will be removed, the filter?s efficiency with respect to HEPA standards, the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of the filter, the ease of changing the filter, and the noise that it will make. Changing air filters regularly facilitates is ability to improve the quality of air.

Air Filters Info provides detailed information on home, car, electronic, and HEPA air filters, as well as air conditioner filters and air filter manufacturers. Air Filters Info is the sister site of Air Purifiers Web.

Perhaps the most widely used air conditioners are the window air conditioners. They are quite popular for heating and cooling in both domestic and commercial premises. The basic advantage of a window air conditioner is that unlike the central air conditioners and the split air conditioners, it fits well in the window giving a good look and it does not occupy any space of the room at all.

Moreover, window air conditioners do not need to be shifted every now and then from one place to the other. However, like any other air conditioning equipment, it produces noise, the intensity of which differs with the type and size of the window air conditioners. Constant noise can indeed be very disturbing and distressing to the home and surrounding residents.

It is, therefore, advisable for the consumer to compare window air conditioners by checking the sound power level labels on the unit or in the literature specifications. The noise levels are often given in decibel ratings and the higher the decibel level, the louder the unit will be. The sound pressure increases by a factor of ten for every 10-decibel increase. For example, 60 Decibels is 10 times louder than 50 Decibels and 100 times louder than 40 Decibels.

The compressor and the fan are combined in a single unit and mounted in the window air conditioners and this is the source of all the noise in the air conditioner. The other causes of noise could be worn bearings, cabinet rattles, dirty or rusty fan blades, worn rubber mountings and compressor wear. Regular maintenance can reduce the noise to some extent but with the passing of time, there is bound to be an increase in the level of the noise.

You should check whether your window air conditioner is vibrating or producing a rattling noise and if so, then it is not a normal situation. The reason for this can be improper installation or loose side panels. If, however, you hear a scraping noise, you should either take the help of an authorized service provider or you can also try to find out the cause and repair it yourself.

The following steps can help you in tracking the fault and repairing it:

You should tighten the screws holding the front panel onto the unit.You should check carefully the window all round the unit. You should then turn the window air conditioner on and press your hand against the sash. If you find that as you press your hand against the sash, the sound changes in pitch, then you should put some wooden shims in the gap between the window air conditioners frame and the sash. If, however, the pitch of the noise changes when you press your hand on the glass, you should use some insulating cellophane tape between the glass and the frame. You might have to use putty if that does not reduce the noise.

If you feel that the sound is originating from within the unit, you should take the unit out of the window and check to see if the fan blades are bent. If so, just bend them back so that they match the others.

Portable Air Conditioners Ensure Economy And Convenience

With the onset of the damp weather, it becomes difficult to survive without constant central air conditioning but that can prove to be quite expensive. The answer to this problem is a portable air conditioner as it has many advantages. It is easy to shift from one place in the home to another and that makes a portable air conditioner the ideal cooling system solution for your home, office or industrial site.

The portable air conditioners are easy and quick to install, as they do not involve any lifting or tearing up of windowsills. Moreover it can be shifted very easily from one place in the home to the other. For taking care of the hot spots in the central air conditioning, the portable air conditioners are far more convenient than window air conditioners. It is also ideal for window shapes, which present problems for installation. There is nothing like portable air conditioners for use as a spot cooler in the home.

A portable air conditioner is an excellent choice for saving money as just one unit needs to be purchased and it can be shifted easily to where you need it as it is mounted on castors and some can weigh only about 36 pounds. Moreover, as only one room is cooled at a time instead of the whole house, the total energy consumption is very low as compared to other air conditioning systems.

Another advantage of portable air conditioners is the energy efficiency that they provide. The average efficiency is in the 8 to 10 range although some are as high as 15, which is 50 percent better than most older central air conditioners. The small size of the portable air conditioners is very advantageous and as such it can fit in a corner or against a wall. It functions like an effective dehumidifier if you do not vent the warm exhaust air out through a window and its size is also the same as that of a room dehumidifier.

In order to reduce humidity and allergies, even the small ones remove 35 pints of moisture per day from the room air. The portable air conditioners also use the heat-exchange principle as the other air conditioners to cool and dehumidify the air. The operating principle is also similar to a window air conditioner as the room air circulates over cold evaporator coils to cool and dehumidify it inside the unit. The room air is exhausted outdoor after flowing over the hot condenser. There is no chance of already-cooled indoor air escaping outside as two ducts are now used.

Nowadays, you have electronic controls in most models and you can set the desired room temperature, blower speed, start and stop timer, and operation mode (cool, dehumidify, heat). The portable air conditioners also have hand-held remote control with which you can conveniently change all the settings as per your need.

The other features of portable air conditioners include a built-in air cleaner with an optional charcoal filter and oscillating louvers to distribute the cool air throughout the room. You can also switch off the louvers to direct the flow of air towards yourself, if you so desire.

Jamie is author of other Air Conditioners Tips located at Home Improvement Tips and Air conditioning Articles. Please stop by and sign up for our free home improvement tip news letter.

Good indoor air quality is a critical element that contributes to a favorable learning atmosphere and helps ensure that all students and staff are working in a healthy environment.

With continuing escalation in fuel and energy costs, school systems recognize the importance of optimizing the insulation of school buildings and sealing the building to prevent loss of heating and cooling. When buildings have been effectively sealed, the heating and ventilation system is a key element in regulating a safe internal environment.

According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can trigger asthma episodes and a myriad of other health related problems. Poor air quality is becoming increasingly costly for schools due to expensive mechanical and environmental consulting fees, rising energy cost, building and mechanical equipment failure and repair and increased liability cost. For these reasons, proper maintenance of HVAC equipment that supports a high quality indoor air environment is more than just a budget issue it's a health and safety issue.

With schools faced with increasingly tight budgets and the need to optimize returns on facility and IAQ improvements, use of technologies that help to optimize HVAC efficiencies while reducing maintenance cost is a “common sense” approach that can help everyone breathe a little easier.

Air Intake Filtration Technology

When air handling units draw fresh air into buildings, the air typically travels through banks of internal pleated filters which capture small airborne particulates before they can get inside the building. However, when large debris such as cottonwood seed, dandelion seed, leaves, insects, paper, construction debris and other matter get into the fresh air openings, the internal filters can become prematurely fouled by the “blanketing effect” of large debris, rendering the internal filters significantly less effective at capturing the small particulate they were designed to stop. To solve this problem, use of Air Intake Filtration Technology is an effective way to isolate large debris on the outside of the equipment where it can be easily removed. By stopping larger debris on the outside of the air handling unit, it can increase the life of internal filters by up to 60% and that means a savings in filter cost and an improvement in indoor air quality.

When used on air cooled chillers and condenser units, air intake filtration helps to optimize the efficiency of your equipment by preventing airborne debris from getting into the coils. Keeping condenser coils clean, means that your cooling systems will run less frequently and for shorter periods of time while providing your building with the cooling output needed to effectively manage indoor temperatures. When coils get dirty and clogged, your cooling equipment looses cooling capacity and consumes more energy because it must work harder and run longer to reach set temperature points. Deferring coil maintenance can lead to compressor failure and complete loss of cooling.

Schools using cooling towers for environmental cooling must recognize that keeping debris out of the cooling tower is critical to safety and system efficiency. When you think of cooling towers, it is important to realize that they are very large and efficient “air scrubbers” - all airborne matter that happens to float past the draft of the tower gets drawn into the cooling water and can compromise the entire system by plugging strainers and heat exchangers, reducing water flow and thwarting the heat exchange process furthermore, when debris gets into the fill material, it can reduce the cooling towers' ability to cool the water to the designed temperature point before being re-circulated through the cooling loop. When cooling water exceeds the designed temperature point when introduced into the chiller unit - it increases the load on the chiller, reduces the heat exchange capacity and can lead to chiller failure.

Another problem that can result from debris getting into your cooling tower is a reduction in the effectiveness of you water treatment chemicals. The reason for a reduction in effectiveness is in large part due to what is known as “chemical absorption” - this is where debris absorbs water treatment chemicals, locking them inside the debris and making them unavailable to the surrounding water this has a direct impact on chemical efficiency. To compensate for absorption, more chemicals are needed. Furthermore, when debris gets into the water and decomposes, it can create an environment conducive to bacteria growth (including Legionella). If the system isn't properly maintained, Legionella and other bacterial can proliferate and come into contact with maintenance workers and others that may get near the tower. Additionally, bacteria can get into the building air intake openings when contaminated water from a poorly maintained cooling tower is picked-up by the wind and is drawn into fresh air intake openings, thus exposing building occupants and posing a serious health risk.

By using air intake filters, with a well-managed water treatment regimen, your cooling tower will be clean and healthy and operate efficiently.

Air Intake Filter Technology Features:

• Simple to install - installs on outside of equipment (condenser coils, air handling units, cooling tower and louvers).
• Patented engineered filter provides a fine balance between airflow and filtration performance with low static pressure impact.
• Mold &amp mildew resistant, UV resistant and flame resistant.
• Multiple fastening and operating methods to suite any application.
• Filters are easy to clean using a broom, brush or shop vacuum. Removal not required for cleaning.
• Will deliver up to 15 yrs of service.

Benefits of Air Intake Filtration On:

Air Handling Units:

• Prevents premature fouling of internal pleated or bag filters.
• Optimizes the efficiency of internal filters.
• Protects louver actuators.
• Helps improve indoor air quality.

Air Cooled Chillers &amp Condenser Coils

• Prevents debris from getting into the coils.
• Reduces / eliminates the need for power washing and hazardous cleaning chemicals. which can damage coils.
• Reduces cleaning effort by up to 75%.
• Helps reduce energy cost because equipment runs clean and efficiently.
• Helps optimize indoor cooling comfort.

Cooling Towers

• Isolates debris on the outside of the cooling tower where it is easy to clean.
• Helps prevent sludge build-up.
• Prevents fouling of fill, strainers and heat exchangers.
• Diffuses sunlight, reducing algae growth.
• Reduces water treatment chemical consumption by up to 50%.
• Reduces scheduled cleaning work effort by up to 50%.
• System runs efficiently all season long.

School facility managers and maintenance engineers seeking ways to streamline HVAC maintenance practices while improving indoor air quality will be well served by integrating air intake filtration technology into their preventative maintenance program.

Air Solution Company developed and patented the first Air Intake Filter specifically engineered to mount to the outside of cooling towers and other HVAC equipment for purposes of stopping the debris before it entered into the system. Since that time, Air Solution Company has been manufacturing and has introduced a variety of other innovative filter systems including its new Fine Mesh Filter which is engineered for use on small and medium size refrigeration coils and machine fan intake housing units.

Air Solution Company Randy Simmons is with Air Solution Company, author of articles can be reached at http://www.airsolutioncompany.com

Recently, I published an article on this site titled: What's a 2/2 compressed air valve? Here, in the next installment in this series, is information on a slightly more complex air valve the 3/2 style.

The first number in the 3/2 air valve, the three, refers to the number of “working” air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air to whatever it is that the valve is supposed to do.

Most 3/2 valves will have numbers or letters etched, cast or painted near each of their three “working” air ports. If there are numbers near the ports, the number 1 would be the supply port to bring the compressed air to that valve.

Port number 2 would be the working port from which air would flow to accomplish whatever task that you wanted that valve to do.

The third port in a 3/2 air valve is an “exhaust” port and if numbered, it could be a 3 or a 5. If the port designations in a 3/2 valve are letters, then port 'A' would be the supply port and port 'B' the working port, with the third port normally being an 'E'.

As in the 2/2 valve there may be one or two additional ports in the ends of the 3/2 valve to allow an air signal line or lines to be connected. If this is the case, this 3/2 valve will either be single, or double air piloted.

The 2 in a 3/2 air valve indicates the number of positions that the internal valve mechanism has. In this case, two. When this valve is operated or actuated, it will either open or close and air will either flow to the application upon actuation, or it will be prevented from flowing.

Most 3/2 compressed air valves will be NC, or normally closed. When the valve is not actuated, it's normal state is closed, and compressed air cannot pass through it.

If your application calls for air to flow through the valve when it's not actuated, that the circuit needs air to be flowing through this valve when it is at rest, then a NO or normally open configured valve would be selected.

All 3/2 valves have actuators that will operate or 'shift' the air valve. An external button, or toggle, or perhaps a solenoid actuator would be the visible actuator. Inside, there will likely be an internal actuator ? a spring - which will shift the valve to the off position when the external actuator is not being used.

If the external actuator is 'detented', then when the valve is operated, it will stay in it's last selected position until an operator changes it. Detented means it will stay where it's put! This is useful when an operator needs to actuate the valve, and then manually perform another operation while the air valve feeds air to the application.

Unlike it's less complex 2/2 valve cousin, the 3/2 valve is used when a compressed air supply is needed to an application or device that uses compressed air to power it, yet in itself has no integral air pathway to atmosphere. Therefore, when the device has performed it's function, and it's time to 'deflate' it or to let the compressed air back out, the third port in the 3/2 valve comes into play.

When the compressed air supply through the valve is shut off internally, a pathway back through the valve to atmosphere will be opened, to allow the compressed air to escape. The air supply is shut, so the compressed air flowing to the valve cannot flow through it, and the compressed air that was formerly in the device or application can now bleed back down the air line through the valve to exhaust.

So, what type of devices are these?

Usually they are single acting type actuators. One comes to mind immediately “Air springs”.

Both Firestone and Goodyear (among others) manufacture “air springs”. These are devices that look like tires, but rather than have an opening in the middle of the doughnut where the rim goes, they are closed on both sides with steel plates. In one side there will be an air port to which an air line from a 3/2 valve can be connected. These “air springs” are mounted on their sides, picture a tire lying flat after you've taken it off your car, and can generate huge actuation forces. Force equals pressure times area, and the ?piston? size inside an air spring can be huge. The application of air springs mirrors that of typical air cylinders, yet offer large capacity at a fraction of the cost of an air cylinder of a necessary size to generate the same force as the air spring.

Another application for 3/2 valves is single acting air cylinders. Whether they are spring extend or spring retract, an air supply is required to operate the SA cylinder. A 3/2 valve is designed to do just that.

A couple of more points the 3/2 valve can have the exhaust port plugged, and voila, you have a 2/2 valve.

If the cost of the valve is the same, you can use a 3/2 air valve anywhere you might use a 2/2 valve. Since 2/2 valves always have to have the ?working port? ultimately plumbed to atmosphere, that there is an exhaust port in a 3/2 valve offers no obstacle to it?s use.

If you have a double acting air cylinder, and you don't have a 4/2 or 5/2 (more on these valves next article) available, you can use two 3/2 valves to operate any cylinder that requires two supply lines in order for it to extend and retract.

At ABOUT-air-compressors.com my e-book entitled All About Air Valves - Volume One is now available. If you are interested in more information about air valves, do visit the site and download a copy. This first e-book is an introduction to air valves, and focuses on the 2/2 iteration. Future volumes will focus on 3/2 valves, and then the 4/2 &amp 5/2 configurations.

And as always, if you have any questions, please send me a message from the contact screen at my web site.

Bill Wade's experience in compressed air and other industries spans decades from field sales positions through to the corporate presidential office. His sales agency represents a select group of industrial firms. Mr. Wade writes about all facets of compressed air at http://www.about-air-compressors.com

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