By: Gabriel Vincent C. Resuma

What is the air filter technology?  Air filters are physically simple but technically complex devices. Whether they are particulate or gas phase filters, they rely on a complex set of mechanisms to perform their function satisfactorily. In many cases, more than one of these mechanisms comes into play.  Many new technologies have been employed in the effort to improve the quality and performance of air filters, and in some cases to reduce their cost. The most notable areas where advancement has been pursued are reduction in pressure drop and elimination of biological contaminants in the filter media.

What can I do personally to help reduce air pollution?

At home  Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.  Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans.  Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.  Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities.  Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.  Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.  Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.  Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.

Buy smart  Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances.  Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.  Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.  Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.  Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

Drive Wise  Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.  In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.  Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.  When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.  Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks.  Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.  Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.  Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.  Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

Some specific technologies

Car exhaust filters  The exhaust pipe of a car to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.  The device uses algae photosynthesis and basic chemical processes to reduce the carbon dioxide from the source  It will be allowed to drive in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane even without meeting the minimum occupancy requirement.

Filters for smoke stacks  It is kin, carbon monoxide, and fly ash  It is industrial smokestacks employ steel plates, called electrostatic precipitators  It attracts the dust particles and keep them from escaping into the atmosphere

Clean alternatives to coal-fired power plants  Solar-is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV)  Wind- is the flow of gases on a large scale. On the surface of the Earth, wind consists of the bulk movement of air  Wave-is an oscillation accompanied by a transfer of energy that travels through space or mass

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