BRECHMAN, IN - Graphix Unlimited in Indiana, a printing firm that produces decals for the boating and recreational vehicle industries, needed to address an indoor air quality problem. The decal printing process requires the use of a variety of solvents, inks and papers. The production processes emit high levels of VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and paper dust. As the demand for products increased, the indoor air quality in their 7000-sq. ft. production area decreased. The family owned business was concerned about the health of their employees and the quality of their products for their customers.

In the past, exhausting conditioned air directly outside and bringing fresh (make-up) air into the building controlled VOC and particle emissions. However, as their business grew and the requirements for more fresh air increased as a result, this method made it increasingly difficult and more costly to maintain the 72° air temperature and 60% humidity levels necessary for high quality decal production. They found themselves faced with either upgrading their existing ventilation system to handle their additional air quality needs or trying to find alternative solutions that may be more effective and economical. The company finally decided to consider two alternate methods of improving the indoor air quality-a make up air system, or a Honeywell commercial air cleaning system.

A make-up air system exhausts air from the space to the outside, then it must replenish the exhausted air with additional outside air. This outside air must be heated or cooled, the moisture content (humidity) must be controlled, and any particulate or gas pollutants must be filtered out. These systems typically have high initial installed costs and high on-going energy costs when compared to some alternative solutions. The make-up air system for this air cleaning application came with an installed price of $75,000, and included significantly increased on-going energy costs and increased maintenance and repair costs.

For comparison, the Honeywell air cleaning system utilizes HEPA filters to capture particulate contaminants and CPZ sorbent media to reduce VOC's as they circulate the air within the space. With this approach, additional outside air was not required because of the exceptional air cleaning capabilities of the Honeywell system. Equipment and first year operational costs for the Honeywell system was $25,000; one third of the make up air system. Besides the large difference in the initial installed cost of each system, the estimated energy savings alone paid for the Honeywell commercial air cleaners and the on-going maintenance costs associated with changing filters and general maintenance of the Honeywell system.

Accordingly, Honeywell model F116 Air Cleaners were installed in the production area for reduction of airborne particles and VOC's, and a portable Honeywell model F113 media air cleaner was placed in the workshop to reduce the same types of contaminants there. The results-a low noise level, and no detection of odors by outsiders upon entering the area. Even the employees made positive comments about the improved air quality. Besides achieving the goal of having acceptable indoor air quality, the estimated energy savings and lower operating expenses were realized.

Honeywell Commercial Air Products' air cleaning systems are economical solutions for print shop's airborne pollutant problems. Honeywell systems are easily configured to control a wide range of airborne pollutants found in commercial, educational, light industrial, recreational and medical applications.