In the meat processing industry, there is a big focus on ventilation technology for the prevention of the virus outbreak. Due to a lack of standards in the industry around ventilation, there is very little guidance around what should be considered as the clean air requirements for the facility. Scientific studies have shown that recirculation of air, around a facility, can cause the spread of harmful viruses. These studies have shown that in areas of poor ventilation the virus can remain in the air for up to 3 hours. In this facility, the production area needs a sufficient amount of supply air.
Also, the temperature in the production areas needs to be maintained between 6-10 degrees Celsius, which was controlled by the air circulation system. The room utilised recirculated air, this meant that the air in some areas was reused in other areas. This type of system is often used to help reduce energy consumption but it can have negative effects, without adequate filtration, in this case, viruses, can be spread throughout a building.
During the virus pandemic, this system needed to be addressed and a balanced hygiene approach was required. Camfil's challenge was to create a solution that will help ensure that the clean air introduced to the facility will protect the health of the employees as well as optimize the low energy consumption initiatives that were in place.
In addition to the general precautions that need to be taken during a pandemic - such as protective face masks, social distancing, and workplace separation - the company wanted to focus on improving the indoor air quality and how it can help protect their workforce. Meat processing companies require clean air to reduce the particulate levels within the facility to both improve production room conditions and to protect against the spread of airborne viruses. The reason for this is the viruses use airborne particulates to travel and particulates removal in the air will reduce this risk.
TEST RESULTS: Shortly after the air cleaners were turned on the particle levels were reduced by more than half. (see the measurement graph below)
The use of Camfil Air Cleaners has removed the airborne microbes and particles sufficiently from the indoor air to ensure a safe production environment for both the personnel and the processes involved. The tests proved the reliable and optimal performance of the air cleaners as part of the pandemic prevention scheme. This system allowed the production facility to become operational again without the hazard of transmission.
PROSAFE CERTIFICATE
Air filter products with the ProSafe logo ensure guaranteed performance using high-quality materials for maximum process reliability. Prosafe is also fully traceable for the control of materials and processes.
PROSAFE - BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
"Hygiene is particularly important in the meat industry. It is particularly important here to purify the indoor air using appropriate high-performance filters in order to protect employees, processes, and products. The CC 6000 and CC 2000 air cleaners, equipped with ProSafe HEPA H14 filters, ensure clean air and that with low energy consumption." - Dirk Leinweber, Director Sales & Marketing,Camfil GmbH
USA
