Portable photocatalytic air cleaners: efficiencies and by-product generation.

Abstract

Portable photocatalytic air cleaners were investigated in 24 and 48m(3) emission test chambers with regard to efficiency and by-product generation. For this purpose, formaldehyde, decane, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, toluene, α-pinene and heptanal were doped at sub-ppm concentration levels into the chambers individually and in mixtures. By way of specified test protocols, efficiencies could be distinguished but were strongly dependant on the choice of test compounds, especially on whether single or multi compound dosing was used, and on long-term effects. Initial clean air delivery rates (CADRs) up to 137m(3)/h were measured. Typical by-products were found in significant concentrations. The main ones were formaldehyde up to 50ppb (62μg/m(3)) and acetone up to 80ppb (190μg/m(3)). Other aldehydes were also found, but at smaller levels. The detection of chloroacetone, a strong irritating compound, at concentrations up to 15ppb (57μg/m(3)) strengthens the importance of such investigations especially in cases were chloro-organic compounds are involved.