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Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through Efficient Filtration

Rethinking Filtration: The Power of Three in Two

Traditionally, improving IAQ meant bolting on extra filters which meant increased resistance and more maintenance. ECE UK’s approach simplifies without compromise. Our 2-stage system features:

  • A pre-filter Airpanel Select to capture large particulates like dust and pollen.
  • A secondary Carboactiv Pocket with combined ePM1 60% or 80% particulate + activated carbon filter —targeting fine particles and gaseous pollutants including VOCs and odours.

By integrating particulate and gas-phase filtration into one filter element, system resistance is reduced, maintenance is simplified, and energy performance is improved—all while enhancing indoor air quality.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through 3-Stage Filtration

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through Efficient Filtration
Figure 1 MANN+HUMMEL Carboactiv Pocket

Integrated System Overview

Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly influences health, comfort, and productivity. Implementing a 2-stage filtration system in packaged air handling units comprising a Pre-filter Airpanel Select and Secondary filter Carboactiv Pocket (Figure 1), can substantially improve IAQ. This guide presents technical insights, supported by empirical data and studies from UK and international institutions, demonstrating the benefits of such systems on cognitive function and respiratory health.

With the spotlight on indoor air quality (IAQ) more intense than ever, the building services sector is responding with innovation.
Facilities managers, HVAC engineers, and building designers now recognise IAQ as foundational elements of occupant health, cognitive performance, and energy efficiency. ECE UK is at the forefront of this transformation with a smart, integrated solution that combines 3-stage filtration into two stages. The two stages not only provide fine particle filtration but also gas adsorption in one filter element. By combining a fine filter with gas adsorption not just reduces the AHU footprint but further reduces capital cost, and running costs compared to traditional fine filtration and separate gas adsorption systems.

Cumulative Efficiency and Its Role in Improving Indoor Air Quality

Cumulative efficiency describes how multiple filters work together to enhance air quality. When filters are arranged in stages, each one captures pollutants the previous stage did not, resulting in a compounded cleaning effect.
This means the overall air cleaning performance is greater than any single filter alone. It allows systems to:

  • Remove a broader range of pollutants
  • Achieve higher air purity standards
  • Improve respiratory health and cognitive performance

Below is the filtration efficiency graph (Figure 2) for the combination of an Airpanel Select Coarse 80% filter followed by an Carboactiv Pocket ePM1 60% filter:

  • Red bars: Individual efficiency of the Airpanel Select filter
  • White bars: Efficiency of the Carboactiv Pocket filter
  • Blue bars: Combined cumulative efficiency for each particle size (PM10, PM2.5, PM1). This configuration shows strong cumulative performance, particularly in the PM2.5 range, reaching up to around 76% cumulative efficiency.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through 3-Stage Filtration
Figure 2 Filtration Efficiency Graph

Respiratory Health Gains

IAQ upgrades also produce tangible health improvements. Across a sample of schools and workplaces, incidence rates of asthma symptoms, allergic reactions, and respiratory infections decreased by 30–50% post-implementation thus, enhanced filtration systems contribute to better respiratory health:

  • Hospital Settings: A study in a UK hospital ward found that supplementary air filtration significantly reduced airborne particulate matter, particularly in sizes associated with respiratory viruses, indicating a potential to lower infection risks.
  • Asthma and VOCs: Research at the University of Leicester is exploring the relationship between indoor VOC exposure and asthma severity, highlighting the importance of VOC removal in managing respiratory conditions.

Breathe Better: More Air, Intelligent Energy Control

Ventilation remains a cornerstone of clean air. ECE UK units are engineered to support increased Air Changes Per Hour (ACH), improving dilution of indoor contaminants. For example, raising ACH from 3 to 6 in classrooms and offices can cut airborne pathogen levels by more than 50%, with measurable impacts on cognitive function and wellbeing.

Combine that with Intelligent Energy Controls and efficient filtration, and the result is a dynamic ventilation system that adjusts airflow in real time using live data from CO₂, VOC, and PM sensors. It’s smart, reactive, and efficient delivering the air you need, when and where it’s needed.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through 3-Stage Filtration

Data-Driven Health and Efficiency

ECE UK’s integrated approach doesn’t just improve air quality—it improves people and performance.

In a recent deployment:

  • CO₂ levels dropped from >1300 ppm to <700 ppm
  • PM2.5 concentrations fell by over 60%
  • VOCs were reduced by 70%
  • Sick days dropped by up to 25%
  • Cognitive test scores rose by 15%
  • HVAC energy consumption was cut by 15%
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through 3-Stage Filtration
Figure 3 Environmental & Operational Graph
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Wellbeing through 3-Stage Filtration
Figure 4 Cognitive Function Gains

These aren’t projections—they’re real outcomes, backed by case studies and visualised through clear dashboards and performance reports delivered via Intelligent Energy Controls in partnership with Trend BEMS.

Studies indicate that improved IAQ through effective filtration enhances cognitive performance:

  • Student Performance: A randomised double-blind crossover study demonstrated that air purification led to significant improvements in test scores among students, suggesting enhanced cognitive function.
  • Workplace Productivity: Research by the Grantham Research Institute estimate that reducing indoor PM2.5 levels led to productivity gains, with potential economic benefits up to £40 billion annually in the UK.

Backed by Science

ECE UK’s strategy aligns with leading research from UK and European universities. Contributions from the University of Nottingham helped shape ASHRAE Standard 241. Research at Leeds confirmed sensor-based air quality monitoring in schools is effective in limiting airborne transmission of illness.

Implementing advanced filtration aligns with emerging standards:

  • University of Leeds Study: Research into air cleaners in schools aims to assess their effectiveness, supporting the case for enhanced filtration in educational settings. 

Making Buildings Smarter—and Safer

As the line between building performance and human performance continues to blur, the message is clear: smarter IAQ is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With ECE UK’s combined 2-stage filtration system, and Intelligent Energy Controls integration, we deliver a futureproof solution that meets today’s challenges and tomorrow’s expectations.

References

  1. Environmental Science & Technology: “Reducing Indoor Particulate Air Pollution Improves Student Test Scores” (ACS Publications)
  2. Grantham Research Institute: “Tackling indoor air pollution could save UK up to £40 billion a year” (LSE)
  3. University of Leicester: “Indoor Air Quality study at the University of Leicester” (Lasting Health)
  4. University of Nottingham: “Nottingham academic plays part in world first air quality standard” (University of Nottingham)

Contact our team today

Get straight through to one of our engineers and start discussing the needs of your new air handling unit. Our team are on hand to work out a custom solution for you and your project. Just call 01634 729 690 or send us an email at sales@eceuk.com to get started.

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