MOLECULAR FILTRATION AT AN AIRPORT

The primary molecular contaminants that you would want to address at an airport are very similar to the molecular contaminants identified by the Clean Air Act that have required the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). 

 

According to the FAA Office of Environment and Energy Aviation & Emissions Document from 2005: Aircrafts produce the same types of emissions as your automobile. Aircraft jet engines, like many other vehicle engines, produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of sulfur (SOx), unburned or partially combusted hydrocarbons (also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), particulates, and other trace compounds. A small subset of the VOCs and particulates are considered hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Aircraft engine emissions are roughly composed of about 70 percent CO2, a little less than 30 percent H2O, and less than 1 percent each of NOx, CO, SOx, VOC, particulates, and other trace components including HAPs.

 

We can provide more information on the health impact of each of these contaminants if necessary. 

 

There is no classification system for molecular filters like MERV or ePM for particulate filters there are however test standards that manufacturers can subject their molecular filters to in order to validate their performance at realistic operating conditions. Camfil systems are validated in accordance with ASHRAE 145 and ISO 10121 which ensures that molecular filters are tested at realistic operating conditions. Enforcement of the performance section in the attached spec will ensure that the end user will be receiving molecular filters tested in accordance with these standards. 

 

I have also attached a report summarizing the results of an ASHRAE 145 / ISO 10121 test against the NAAQS contaminants.