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| Faqs |
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| What is a desiccant? |
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| Desiccants are materials that naturally attract moisture from the air. Virtually all materials (wood, natural fibers, clays and many synthetic materials) are desiccants, however they lack holding capacity. The minerals we use for desiccants can take more than 100% of its dry weight in water vapor. |
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| What is a zeolite? |
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| Natural zeolites are minerals that are ancient volcanic ash in origin. In 1756, a Swedish mineralogist discovered zeolites and named them from two Greek words 'zein' and 'lithos' meaning boiling stones (which explains their volcanic origin). For nearly 200 years after their discovery, the unique dehydration, adsorption, ion exchange and catalysis nature of zeolites have been studied by chemists and mineralogists. |
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| Where do natural zeolites come from? |
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| Zeolites form in nature as a chemical reaction between volcanic glass and saline water. Nature requires up to 50,000 years to complete the reaction. There are over 40 different types of natural zeolites from mines scattered throughout the world. Natural zeolites are described as a crystalline hydrated aluminosilicate whose framework structure encloses cavities (or pores) occupied by cations and water molecules, permitting ion exchange and reversible dehydration. |
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| How does it work? |
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| Zeolites work by a phenomenon known as cation exchange and they display two important and unique abilities. They can act as molecular sieves and freely exchange positively charged ions (known as cations) for other ions. The strong electrostatic field within a zeolite cavity results in very strong interaction with polar molecules such as water. This means that Awesome Air has the ability to gain or lose water reversibly without the molecular structure collapsing. It can reversibly exchange specific cations or positively charged molecules with resident cations within its framework. Even non-polar molecules are also adsorbed due to the polarizing power of these electrostatic fields. |
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| Why is it called an adsorber instead of an absorber? |
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| Adsorbers are different than absorbers because they do not undergo any chemical or physical change as they collect vapors, moisture, gases and odors. The desiccant minerals used in the Awesome Air filters are strong adsorbents because of their micro-porous cavities that create large areas of active surfaces where molecules adhere. |
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Are the products safe? |
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| The products are made from 100 percent all natural zeolite mineral blends. The zeolites used are stable, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-caustic, not an irritant and not a sensitizer in oral, dermal and ocular per the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. There are no known chronic hazards or adverse effects. It does NOT contain asbestos fibers or fiberous zeolite minerals. They contain no ozone depleting substances, they add no CFC's or HCFC's to the atmosphere. In fact, it has been found that indoor air quality is greatly improved when using desiccants. Air flowing through a desiccant loses airborne particulates and has been found to reduce some airborne diseases. |
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What else do they use zeolites for? |
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| Both natural zeolites (and their synthetic counter-parts) are used in pollution control, radioactive waste management, petroleum refining and gas purification processes. Natural zeolite minerals are also used in construction materials, in carriers, fillers and coatings, aquaculture and agriculture. Major future uses will include wastewater treatment, solar energy, synthetic fuel production and hazardous waste disposal. |
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What do I do if it is not working? |
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First, make sure the plastic wrapping has been removed from the filter.
Second, make sure that you have the proper number of filters installed and check to make sure the air conditioning system/refrigerator/freezer is functioning properly. |
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What air conditioning systems will the products work with? |
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| Any kind of air conditioning system --chilled water systems, ptac units, selfcontained units, split systems -- virtually, any air conditioning system can benefit from the filter sytems. |
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How do you maintain the filters? |
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| Remove the Filter every 18 to 24 months and dry in the sun for 6 hours. This will release the adsorbed moisture from the desiccant. Then, reinstall the filters. |
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How many filters do I need? |
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| It takes approximately 10 pounds of zeolites for every 2-l/2 tons of air conditioning. If you don't know the tonnage of your AC, figure one 10lb filter system for each 500 square feet of space. (Or, 400 CFM's = 1 ton, or 12,000 BTU's = l ton) |
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Will it restrict the air flow? |
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| The filter systems are to be installed by restricting no more than 60 percent of the airflow. In a laboratory test, using 5000 CFMs (12.5 tons AC), the CFM drop was minimal. The static pressure drop was .12. |
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What is the Awesome Air Filter System?
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| The Awesome Air filter system is a desiccant dehumidifier that works in conjunction with air conditioning systems to remove the latent moisture load. Dehumidification is accomplished by adsorption resulting in the removal of humidity from air in the vapor phase so the air conditioning equipment can operate more efficiently. When moisture is removed from the air, less energy is needed to lower temperatures for cooling. Occupant comfort is improved by lowering humidity levels, so less cooling is necessary. Thermostats can be moved up to save energy. This process also improves indoor air quality because bacteria, mold, allergens and micro-organisms thrive in moist conditions. |
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How long does it take to see results? |
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| The conditions present when Awesome Air is installed will determine the results. Normally, within a week to ten days you will feel the gradual change. Once the initial heavy load has been removed and the area becomes acclimatized, the system will provide years of comfort and savings. Since Awesome Air works by adsorption (non-mechanical), it works continually 24/7. Clarification: Air conditioning systems must be properly engineered and in good working order. |
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How do I save energy? |
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| Air conditioning operates more efficiently when energy is not wasted on humidity removal. The awesome air filter helps in the removal of moisture therefore making your existing air conditioning system more efficient. |
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Should I weigh the filters for moisture adsorption to see how they are working? |
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| Weighing the filters to see how much moisture has been adsorbed will do nothing to determine the effectiveness of Awesome Air. The zeolites continually self dry through an exothermic reaction. . |
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What is latent and sensible loads? |
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| Air conditioning systems are designed to remove a certain amount of moisture. This is called the latent heat ratio of the system. Sensible heat is heat in terms of degrees one reads on a common thermometer. Latent heat is heat in terms of moisture removed. Sensible plus latent is the total heat removed. According to experts, many air conditioning systems do not remove adequate amounts of moisture, which is causing mold and poor indoor air quality problems. Awesome Air helps remove the latent load allowing the air conditioner to focus on the sensible load making it more efficient. |
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How does Awesome Air help to improve indoor air quality? |
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| The EPA and others agree that excess moisture is the cause of mold, microbial growth, pollution and other indoor air quality problems. Air quality is greatly improved by reducing the moisture level, which in turn, reduces the bacterial count of airborne microbials -- the environment necessary for mold, mildew and bacterial growth. Molds, especially toxic molds, have come under suspicion for causing an ever-increasing number of ailments and diseases. Awesome Air can help keep mold from becoming a personal injury and property damage lawsuit by helping to eliminate moisture. |
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What is relative humidity? |
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| The invisible water vapor in the air. |
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Where do I place the Awesome Air® Filter System? |
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| Awesome Air® Filters are designed to work in conjunction with existing air conditioning systems in the commercial, industrial as well as the residential marketplace. The Awesome Air® filters are to be installed in the air return (plenum) after the existing dust filters and prior to the evaporator. (Never block more than 60% of the air return.) If space doesn't allow the Awesome Air® filter to be installed after the existing dust filter and prior to the evaporator, place the filter in front of the dust filter. If this is the case, instruct maintenance to dust off the Awesome Air® filters prior to replacing the dust filters. |
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