ACTLab Air Cleaning Technology Laboratory Overview The Air Cleaning Technology Laboratory (ACTLab) is a research laboratory capable of addressing technologies which clean air of particulates and gases/vapors using various forms of fibrous media, energetic surfaces, and sorbent materials. The laboratory houses a test loop that is compliant with the current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Method of Test (MOT) Standards, and compatible with the emerging ASHRAE MOT Standards, for those air cleaning technologies. Construction of the laboratory began late in 2004 with funding provided by the National Center for Energy Management and Building Technologies (NCEMBT), as part of a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE), along with substantial cofunding from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The test loop became operational for particulate filter research at the start of 2007 and will be capable of limited gas phase filter testing early in 2008. The laboratory is located in the Science and Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Building on the UIC campus and is operated jointly by the Energy Resources Center and the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. As part of that NCEMBT effort, UIC is leading a team of three universities to provide a comprehensive air cleaning research capability. UIC's facilities are complemented by a similar test loop under construction at Penn State University (PSU) that will be capable of testing ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) lamps, and by existing environmental chambers at Syracuse University (SU) capable of testing in-room portable air cleaners. Together, these facilities allow all major air contaminants - particulates, gases/vapors, and microorganisms - and their respective control technologies to be researched in both in-duct and in-room applications. In collaboration with NCEMBT, UIC manages an Industry Expert Advisory Panel to provide research needs in the air cleaning area. The panel meets annually to revise its needs, and help set priorities for the research agenda at the UIC and other facilities. Research funding is being provided from several sources, including additional government agencies, private industry partners, and non-for-profit foundations. Per that industry driven agenda, UIC is conducting particulate filter bypass and seal research in 2007, and will be initiating gas phase research on ozone removal in 2008.
Industry Panel touring the ACTLab at a recent research needs meeting. Facility The test loop in the ACTLab is currently compliant with ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. It is also compatible with the emerging ASHRAE Standard 145.2P Method of Testing Gaseous Contaminant Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency. The ACTLab will be introducing ASHRAE Standard 145.2P testing capabilities in a staged manner to the test loop. In conjunction with the Industry Expert Advisory Panel, select gases are being targeted for study over time and the test loop will incrementally incorporate the needed gas generation and instrumentation equipment. The "U-shaped" test loop is constructed of stainless steel modules with gasketed, quick clasp connections for easy disassembly and reassembly. The loop houses a 24 inch by 24 inch cross-sectional area filter test module with airflow rates up to 3000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) for face velocities up to 750 feet per minute (fpm). Based on the ASHRAE Standard 52.2 testing protocol, particle counts in 12 discrete size ranges are monitored upstream and downstream of the test filter while the prescribed ASHRAE dust and aerosolized particles are introduced in a metering station module upstream of the both the test filter and particle counter. Automated controls sequence through the test procedure, collect data, and generate the standard reports. As noted, upcoming additions to the test loop will equip modules and instrument the loop for gas phase testing based on the ASHRAE Standard 145.2P testing protocols. These facilities provide the capabilities to perform basic research with advanced filter media on through applied research with new filter product designs.
ASHRAE MOT Standard 52.2 compliant test loop.
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