Home Air Cleaners - Abatement CAP100-UVP Media Filter

Abatement CAP100-UVP Media Filter: Overview

"Cheap furnace filters are merely ‘boulder catchers’… they don’t catch the fine dust particles and they don’t catch the microbes.”
—Dr. Charlene Bayer, Director of the Georgia Institute of Technology Indoor Environmental Research Program

AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE MICRO-PARTICULATE FILTRATION PLUS OPTIONAL UV PLUS TECHNOLOGY

CAP50/CAP100 Series units provide homeowners with a significantly higher level of particulate filtration than standard furnace filters or electrostatic filters at an economical price. Models are available with optional germicidal UV-C or UV Plus technology to enhance performance. All models are Class II medical devices.
 

CAP50-UVP and CAP100-UVP Models – High Efficiency Filtration with UVP Technology 

You can get the COMBINED benefits of germicidal and photolytic UV technology from the onset with the UVP technology in the CAP50-UVP or CAP100-UVP models. These units combine the same MERV 11 micro-particulate filtration with a powerful UV-C ultraviolet lamp that irradiates bacteria, viruses and microbial contaminants as they pass by the lamp in the air stream or are trapped on the special UV-resistant final filter with a controlled level of ozone through a second frequency of light.

Molds and fungi can grow in moist areas of the HVAC system and create unpleasant odors and toxins. Components such as the AC coil and the drain pan are difficult to irradiate effectively with UV-C, which requires direct line-of-sight exposure to kill microbes. Ozone is a short-lived gas that reverts back into oxygen. It can permeate the hidden nooks and crannies of the HVAC system, where it can react with microbial contaminants and break down VOCs and unpleasant odors. Ozone is widely used in the fire and disaster restoration industry to remove odors from smoke, sewage or decomposing organics. UV Plus models are especially suitable for homes susceptible to mold growth and microbial odors caused by high-humidity climates or moisture problems, and for homes with chronic odor problems from smokers, cooking or pets. Since ozone is very reactive and breaks down quickly back into oxygen, installation of a CAP UVP system in the HVAC return duct work ensures that ozone levels in the occupied living space are not affected.

Unfortunately, Purahome has seen many companies with little or no experience in indoor air quality install basic UV-C systems as a first-line of-defense (when it should be the last!) above the AC evaporator coil while this can reduce some of the aforementioned problems, surfaces of the A-coil that are not directly visible to the lamp are sometimes difficult to irradiate effectively. In addition, many plastic drain pans can be degraded by continuous UV exposure. Therefore, Purahome recommends the UV Plus systems whereby in addition to UV-C in the germicidal frequency, these systems emit a second frequency, UV-C at 180 to 200 nanometers producing a controlled level of ozone, used primarily for odor and VOC control and sanitizing the hard to reach areas in the A-coil.

Built-in safety features include an electrical interlock switch that instantly deactivates the lamp when the filter access door is opened. Both models are safety certified by Environmental Testing Laboratories.

CAP500-UVP

For customers who already have filtration in their homes, an Abatement CAP500-UVP System can be installed to further improve air quality. Your CAP500-UVP system offers airborne microbial reduction as well as in the hard-to-reach areas of the AC coils, and moderate odour control. Installation is simple and the electronic ballast has a Lifetime Warranty! 

A Purahome customer Mr. Freeman called two days after he installed his Photolytic UVP System (CAP500 UVP) himself to tell us “it has made a wonderful difference. My wife’s post nasal drip has disappeared!” (You can read the full story of Mr. Freeman on the Abatement CAP600 HEPA page)

 

Abatement CAP100-UVP Media Filter: Comparison

CAP50-U & CAP100-U – Unique Two Stage Filtration

These media air cleaners are affordable units that feature a unique two-stage filtration that effectively captures particulates. The CAP50-U model is designed with 16" x 25" filters for smaller tonnage HVAC forced air systems and heat pumps. The larger CAP100-U model has 20" x 25" filters and is designed for systems up to 4 tons in size (1600cfm). Both models feature an inexpensive one-inch deep prefilter that removes larger particles and extends the life of the more expensive High-Efficiency final-stage filter. When necessary, simply replace each filter.

CAP50/100 Series Models provide a much higher level of particulate filtration and dirt holding capacity than standard furnace filters or electrostatic filters. These in-line filtration systems capture up to 97% of the microparticles that standard filters miss, including fine dust, dirt particles and pollens.  The Stage Two 5” Pleated Particulate Filter has achieved a very good MERV 11 efficiency rating in tests conducted in accordance with the ASHRAE 52.2 standard. This means that the media filter captures a guaranteed minimum of 65% of particles between 1 and 3 microns in size and a minimum 85% of particles 3 microns in size or larger.

Upgrade Option

Homeowners who purchase the CAP50 or CAP100 can upgrade these models at a later date to add germicidal UV Plus technology by purchasing a special upgrade module. Since the upgrade module slides directly into the existing CAP50 or CAP100 cabinet, installation is fast and simple. The UVP module incorporates germicidal UV Plus lamp technology to control microbial growth and reduce odors. All models are Class II medical devices and are ETL certified to meet applicable UL standards

Abatement CAP100-UVP Media Filter: Applications and Technology

What Makes the Abatement CAP 50-UVP & CAP100-UVP a Purahome First Choice Winner?

The Abatement CAP50/100-UVP Series advanced performance at such an affordable price make it a Purahome First Choice for individuals looking for good particulate and allergen control with excellent microbial control. 

Applications - How Can It Help Me?

Allergen control

• Mold spore control
• Pet dander control (cat, dog, etc.)
• House dust mite allergen control
• Pollen control

Particulate air pollution control

• General indoor air pollution and microbial control
• Light tobacco smoke control
• Wild-fire smoke control

Light Molecular control with UVP Option

• Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) control
• Molecular (gaseous chemical) control

Light Odour control with UVP Option

• Pet odours
• Musty odours
• Cooking odours
• Paint odours

Microbial Control with UVP Option

• Bacteria and Viruses

What Air Cleaning Technology Is In My Abatement CAP Whole Home HEPA Purifier?

1. Particulate PreFiltration

Particulate matter in indoor air exists in a wide range of particle sizes, typically measured in microns. One micron is 1/1,000,000 of one meter, and 20 - 40 microns is about the smallest particle that most of us can see. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns are often referred to as "respirable" particles, since they are also generally too small to be filtered out by our body's natural defense mechanisms before they reach our lungs. A standard 1” Prefilter will trap particles 100 microns in size and larger. These particles are too large to be respirable and are more of a housekeeping problem than a health threat, as they tend to drop out of the air and accumulate on surfaces. This filter serves to extend the life of the more expensive High Efficiency Media Filter and helps keep resistance to air flow as low as possible.

2. Advanced High Efficiency Media Filtration

Various types of mechanical filters are suitable for trapping certain sizes of airborne particles. Low, medium and high-efficiency filters are rated under the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers standard # ASHRAE 52.2. Under this standard, filters are assigned a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 1 and 16. The higher the MERV rating is, the more efficient the filter. A standard throwaway furnace filter might be rated at MERV 1 or MERV 2, while hospital filters typically are MERV 12 to MERV 16, depending on the critical nature of the area.

Your Abatement CAP50/100 Series cleaners employ MERV 11 High-Efficiency pleated particulate to capture microparticles that would pass right through most throwaway furnace filters. Particles in this size range include soot, very fine dust, dust mite and insect remains, pet dander and many types of pollen and mold spores.

3. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (in UVP Models only)

Ultraviolet energy is a part of the spectrum of electromagnetic energy generated by the sun. There are three frequency bands within the UV spectrum, none of which are visible to humans. UV-A, also known as "black light" is harmless. UV-B rays can cause sunburn. UV-C, which is generated in wavelengths between about 180 and 280 nanometers, can in sufficient dosage create a chemical reaction that alters the structure of microorganisms thereby destroying their ability to reproduce and colonize.

Outdoors, direct exposure to the UV-C energy of the sun helps keep microorganism propagation under control. Abatement UV Technology replicates this phenomenon in indoor environments. These germicidal lamps have been used for more than 40 years to disinfect air in hospitals, tools in dental offices and to reduce bacterial contamination in food storage and pharmaceutical facilities. UV-C is most effective against bacteria and viruses and least against mold spores.

4. Photolysis/Ozonation (in UVP Models only)

Molds and fungi are typically the source of unpleasant or "musty" odors, or for more serious odor-related problems such as "dirty socks syndrome". These microorganisms often thrive in the damp, dark and dirty recesses of an HVAC system. They have a much more complex cell structure than bacteria and viruses, and are typically much more resistant to germicidal UV-C, often requiring up to 100 times more exposure for an effective "kill" rate. Some homes also have higher levels of odors from ill family members, cooking, smoking, pets, fireplaces, wood stoves, and other sources.

For these reasons, each series of CAP products offered by Purahome includes a model equipped with our unique UV Plus lamp technology. Your UV Plus lamps generate 254nm UV-C, but they also generate a second frequency of UV at 180 to 200 nm, via an oxidation reaction known as photolysis. Photolysis generates a controlled amount of ozone. This powerful oxidizer breaks down unpleasant odors, and provides increased effectiveness against molds and mold products and reverts back into oxygen when doing so.

PURAHOME Inc. has a copy of an advisory from Health Canada published on February 5, 1999 advising the public about ozone generators. Homeowners are advised to stop using ozone generators in occupied spaces such as bedrooms, etc. The ozone generators referred to are “portable, bread-box sized units“. PURAHOME Inc. never has and never will sell ozone generators for residential use. Health Canada clearly states as well that “this warning does not apply to any other type of air cleaners such as mechanical filter-type air cleaners”. Unlike ozone generators, our CAP systems lower particle concentrations in the home and provide all family members with healthy air for a healthier lifestyle.

The return duct installation of CAP products enables ozone to break down odors in the HVAC system without elevating ozone levels within the occupied living space. By utilizing the HVAC system as the "oxidation chamber", ozone can penetrate where it matters most; into the AC coil, drain pan, and other downstream components that are particularly susceptible to mold and fungal growth and odours and then reverts back into oxygen.

 

• Great value for the money.
• Service Calls are far and few between (not a single repair to date in 5 years!).
• Advanced performance in the UVP Models because of advanced features, that is, healthier air for our customers and peace of mind.
• Gasketed Filters for a snug fit – a new gasket every time the filter is changed
• High Efficiency Filters are easily changed without any tools and last a relatively long time.
• Customers save money over time because of efficient prefiltration.
• Graded Filtration reduces resistance to air flow.
• UVP bulb is easy to change and quick. Only 4 screws need to be removed.
• As is the case with any whole home air cleaner installation, best results are achieved with the furnace fan running especially when a family member has a greater need for improved air quality. It is the customer’s choice whether to run the furnace fan 100% of the time or not, hydro costs will go up but air quality will be better (there are no free meals out there).

What we are not excited about:

 • The CAP50/100 Models are 8” wide so for customers who want to replace their antiquated electronic air cleaner with a CAP50/100 Cleaner, a little duct work is required. In new home construction though, installation is simple.

Warranty: 5 years – Purahome and Abatement are proud to cover these air purifiers in Canada for a full 5 years against defects in parts and labour. UV bulbs and ballasts are covered by 1 year warranty. The CAP 500 Ballast has a limited lifetime warranty. Filters as consumables, are exempt from this warranty.

CONCLUSION *****/5

Purahome is thoroughly impressed with Abatement Technologies as a Company, their support and how they run their business is truly professional all the way! For people whose priority is to reduce larger particulate, some allergens and dust, the CAP 50/100 Models provide great value for the dollar. The UVP Models are highly recommended for  enhanced mold spore reduction, additional microbial control and odour reduction.

As Canada’s Largest Authorized Abatement Dealer and one of the nation’s foremost Experts on indoor air quality, why would you buy anywhere else?