If you're reading this, you're probably asking yourself, "What should I look for in an Air Scrubber / commercial Air Purifier?” Whether you're concerned about Silica Dust, Asbestos Dust or any other hazardous particles found in the construction industry, choosing the right air scrubber can make a significant difference to the air quality in your work place. With so many options on the market, it’s crucial to know what features and specifications matter the most.

Before we get into it,

Let’s look at why air scrubbers are so important on a work site. Construction and renovation activities often generate large amounts of dust and airborne particles, posing significant health risks to workers. The most hazardous dust is the dust you cannot see. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to serious respiratory issues and long-term health problems. Air scrubbers play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by efficiently capturing and removing these invisible threats from the air, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting overall well-being on the job site.

At All Preparation Equipment,

• We are committed to providing the highest quality air purification systems.
• We’ve partnered with industry leaders Dustcontrol, who’s range of commercial H-Class Air Scrubbers & Vacs have set the bar in the construction and manufacturing industries as well as military applications.
• We ensure that the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date, helping you make the best decision for your business and the health and safety of your work force.

Understanding Air Scrubber / Air Purifier Filters

Understanding the differences between HEPA and EPA filters is crucial for selecting the right air filtration system for your needs. Here’s a breakdown:

HEPA Filters: Standing for "HIGH Efficient Particulate Air" These filters are tested and rated to capture between 99.95% & 99.995% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They are commonly used in environments requiring high levels of air cleanliness, such as when working with hazardous particles like RCS (Silica dust) and Asbestos dust as well as for hospitals and cleanrooms.

EPA Filters: Standing for "Efficient Particulate Air" filters, these are a BIG step below HEPA filters in terms of efficiency. EPA filters typically only capturing between 85% to 99.5% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They are NOT suitable for the construction industry as they allow the most hazardous dust particles through the filter and back into the air. Worse still, is that these particles are too small for the naked eye to see and as such will give a false sense of security meanwhile the most damaging particles are being pumped into the air. Because the particles are so small they can remain airborne for 40hours. 

They are the dust particles directly responsible for diseases such as Silicosis.

Comparing the two types of filters commonly found in industrial level air purifiers, There is only one that is suitable for the construction industry so its of paramount importance that you find out exactly what sort of filters any air scrubber you are considering is running. 

Top things to consider when choosing an air purifier

1. Filtration Efficiency

• Look for True HEPA filters (H13 or H14) to ensure maximum removal of hazardous airborne dust.
• Avoid purifiers that use EPA filters, or filters marketed as HEPA-TYPE or STYLE, or worse still. Air scrubbers that don't list filter type or filter capacity.

2. Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)

• This indicates how many times the air purifier can filter the entire volume of air in a room per hour.
• The amount required in a commercial environment will be dependant on how much dust is being produced. We recommend no less than 6 air changes per hour. (multiple air scubbers can be used to achieve greater numbers of air changes)

3. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

• CADR measures the volume of filtered air delivered by the air purifier and is expressed in cubic meters per hour or cubic feet per minute (CFM).
• Higher CADR ratings mean the air scrubber is more effective at cleaning the air in a specific size room.

4. Room Size

• Ensure the air purifier you choose is rated for the size of the room where it will be used. An undersized purifier will not clean the air effectively.

5. Other important things to look for

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Filter size (surface area) A small filter will clog up more quickly and degrade performance rapidly.

Let’s take a look at one of the industries top Air Scrubbers - The Dustcontrol AC2000.

The top model in the Dustcontrol lineup of Portable H-Class Air Cleaners is the Aircube 2000 (AC2000). It’s manufactured by Dustcontrol in Sweden. Here's why it stands out:

Dustcontrol Air Cleaner AC2000

Powerful Performance:

The most powerful air cleaner on the market, perfect for controlling airborne dust from job sites. Effective in small and large areas alike, ensuring comprehensive dust and particle management.

High Efficiency:

• Equipped with a 0.5 m² pre-filter and a massive 10 m² of HEPA filter, ensuring excellent air purification for very long periods of time.
• True H-class with H13 HEPA filter removes greater than 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Built Tough:

• Stainless steel chassis and robust construction for durability on tough job sites.
• Heavy-duty transport wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
• Encapsulated fan housing with a radial blower-type fan for consistent air cleaning.

User-Friendly Features:

• Integrated warning lights indicate when filters need replacing.
• Variable speed settings allows adjustment to suit different room sizes.
• Easy filter change and washable stainless steel filter housing.

Advanced Functionality:

• ECO-fan for lower energy consumption and low noise levels.
• Designed to prevent dust from being stirred up from the floor with upward air exhaust.
• Ergonomic design for easy carrying and the ability to connect to ducting for more targeted extraction site, and even to create negative pressure zones.

Industry Leading Warranty

• Dustcontrol offer a 2 year commercial use warranty, all you need to do is meet the filter change schedule outlined in the service section of each machines manual. (From experience, the Dustcontrol Aircubes all last a lot longer than the 2 year warranty as well)

 Why Choose a Dustcontrol Air Cleaner?

• Superior Filtration: The combination of a large pre-filter and a HEPA filter ensures maximum dust and particle removal.
• Durability and Reliability: Built to withstand the rigours of construction sites with a robust stainless steel chassis.
• Energy Efficiency: Variable speed settings and an ECO-fan make it an energy-efficient choice.
• Ease of Use: Integrated warning lights and easy filter changes simplify maintenance.
• DOP Tested: All Dustcontrol Air cubes that we sell at All Preparation Equipment are DOP tested to ensure filtration levels are as stated or better. (We regularly see failures on cheaper units, even when they have HEPA filters as it only takes the tiniest deformation in a filter or filter housing for the filter to longer seal and hazardous dust to find it's way past the filter and back out into the air.)

          COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID.        

   Ignoring Filter Size:   

   Overlooking CADR Ratings:   

   Assuming All HEPA Filters Are the Same:   

Why Choose The Dustcontrol range from All Preparation Equipment.

• Superior Filtration: Our air scrubbers use True HEPA H13 filters, ensuring the highest level of particle removal.
• Verified Performance: We rigorously test our products to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards.
• Expert Support: Our team is available to help you select the right Aircube for your specific needs and provide ongoing support.

Investing in a high-quality air scrubber can significantly improve your indoor air quality, protecting your health and well-being. For personalised advice and to explore our range of air purifiers, including the Dustcontrol Air Cleaner AC2000, contact All Preparation Equipment on 1800 422 992.

Visit our showroom or shop online to see what makes Dustcontrol the best choice for clean, healthy air.

Author: Elliot Moss - All Preparation Equipment