Introduction:
There are many technologies in the engineering that provide solutions in the problems in the environment. The concern about the air pollution is not much rich with technological advancement in the past as much as other kinds of pollution. However, due to the realities that are happening in the planet, man is urged to invent technologies that can preserve and provide clean air to sustain life here on Earth.
The concern for air pollution started during the industrialization period. The Clean Air Act that is first promulgated in the year 1970 aimed for the regulation of the pollutants that are released into the air. Due to the industrialization age, there are large amounts of criteria pollutants that are released into the air. Criteria pollutants are those that belong to the following: nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, sulfur dioxides, and other particulate matters. These pollutants are known to threaten the health of man and pose risks into the general welfare of the environment. The increase in their emissions into the air from various sources has urged the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards for these type of pollutants. The policies enforced and established methods that forced the various industries and establishments to obey the laws (Teach Engineering, 2016).
The Clean Air Act has made various industries to be aware of their deeds in messing the air of the planet. Due to this act, industries came up with different methods to attain the standards set by the government. Various air purifiers are then invented and created to help abate the problem of air pollution. Air purifiers are devices that are designed to remove the harmful and irritating contaminants found in the air. Most of the common contaminants can be in the form of dust, smoke, mold spores, and dust mites. The concept of air purifiers started even in the early 16th century where they are made as simple protective air respirators that protect users from inhaling the negative elements in the air. As time progressed, this concept is developed into air filtering devices (APG, 2010).
The first actual air purifier called the “simple filter system” was created in the year 1963 by the German mechanical engineer, Klaus and Manfred Hammes. It was made to trap the dusts that come with the cold air in ovens. Consumers approved of this technology as it helped in the reduction of asthma tendencies in the households. Over time, the filter system was developed to fit a wide variety of applicability. Today, modern day air purifiers come in various types such as the HEPA filter, Ionizer purifiers, and Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (APG, 2010). There are various companies that invest in the commercialization of these air cleaning products. Companies such as the Austin Air Systems, IQAir North America, Blueair, and others are putting up their capitals for the further development of the air purifier technology. For instance, the Austin Air Systems tackled various issues in the environment that includes odors, contamination of particulates, and toxicity of chemicals in the air. They are the first to introduce the concept of pre-filter in the year 1991 that extended the efficiency and life of HEPA filters. They are also the first of develop an air intake system with 360 degree that significantly improved the cleaning efficiency of the devices (APEC, nd).
Project Significance:
Air purifiers have been used in the past to filter the unwanted particulates in the air. With the technological advancement and integration of various studies and technologies, air purifiers are significant devices and machines that can help protect and save lives of humanity. The technology for air purifiers have gone through various development over the years. It started as basic equipment that used to cover the nose and the mouth. Today, they are used and applied in various homes and industries. The increasing environmental concern over the air pollution will likewise demand the development of air purifiers.
Research Question:
What are the specific mechanisms of air purifiers that can eliminate the air pollutants coming from the air and what are their significance in the abatement of air pollution?
Objectives:
Methodology:
The air purifiers are designed with specific capacities and capabilities. Data for the capacities of these air purifiers can be taken from research. The specific type of air purifier must be selected and identified. The details and mechanisms of the device will be studied. The various parts of the machine will be dissected and identified with their specific functionality. Then the overall machine will be evaluated through the data taken from research. The applicability of these machines in various environments will be explored. The brands of the different purifiers with high efficiency will be discussed.
References:
APEC. (nd). “The History of Air Purifiers”. FreeDrinkingWater.com.
APG. (2010). “The History of Air Purifiers”. Air Purifier Guide.
Teach Engineering. (2016). “Lesson: Pollution Solutions”. Teach Engineering. Accessible through https://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_air/cub_air_lesson10.xml
