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Air Sanitation By Mechanical Methods

Air Sanitation By Mechanical Methods - Mechanical methods are aimed at the removal reduction of microorganisms.

Suppression of dust:: Dust particles act as a substratum for microorganisms to adhere Microorganisms can remain viable for quite long period in these dust particles. Depending upon the factors such as air current and weight of the particle, bacteria carrying dust particles can either remain suspended in air or they may settle down on various objects.

Thus dust particles play an important role in the dispersion of microorganisms in air. So any procedure that suppresses the emergence or distribution of dust will in turn affect the microflora of air.

Applying oil emulsion to floors, bed cloths and other textiles will provide an effective control over dust and dust borne bacteria. Oil mechanically inhibits the spread of dust by binding to them. Oiling methods are simple in procedure and are practicable.

Even cost wise also, they are economical. Various studies have shown that oiling floors and bed cloths in hospitals have considerably reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections.Removal of dust using vacuum pump followed by application of disinfectant solution has also been recommended.

Filters: Filtration can also be used as a method of air sanitation. Most of the airborne microorganisms are present in dust particles of size larger than 5/lm. Hence the microorganisms can be removed from air by passage through simple filters, which can retain particles of this size. If the smaller particles are also important then high efficiency filters can be used.

The various types of filter materials used in air sterilization are 1. granular - activated charcoal; 2. fibrous pads - cotton wool, slag wool, and glass wool; and 3. filter papers - cellulose - asbestos and glass fibre.

HEPA Filters: High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are specially designed filters to deliver clean, sterile air into an enclosed room or cabinet. The filter material is made up of fiberglass. HEPA filters have an effective pore size of about 0.3/lm and an efficiency of 99.9%. Usually disposable pre-filter, which reduces the load to be removed by the main filter is used along the main filter.

The main use of HEPA filter is in laboratory safety cabinets where the incoming air is filtered and the used air is decontaminated as the air passes through the filter. HEPA filters are also used in hospitals to provide sterile air. The limitation with HEPA filter is the cost.

Laminar air flow :Laminar air flow is again a kind of mechanical method for air sanitation. Laminar air flow refers to the unidirectional flow of air. Air is continuously flowing at high pressure in one direction. When the air flows over a place, where microorganisms are handled, the flow will carry all the escaping microorganisms to an outlet.

Thus, the flow prevents the dissemination of microorganisms into outside air. In safety cabinets laminar air flow is used to carry the used, contaminated air away from the working person. To make the laminar, air flow efficient HEPA filter can be used.

In this way sterile air can be produced and allowed to carryover the used air. In industries, where hot materials to be cooled off aseptically, laminar airflow tunnels in conjunction with HEPA filters can be used.

 
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