The Plot Shop
What
- 1,200 Sq. Ft. Building Printing Warehouse
- Install Bipolar Ionization Technology
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
Who
Where
Daphne, Alabama
Improving Indoor Air Quality
PROJECT DETAILS
- Client: The Plot Agency
- Mechanical Contactor: Star Service of Mobile, AL
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Category: Printing Warehouse
- Gross Square Footage: 1,200 Square Feet
- Completed: March 2023
BACKGROUND
In early 2023, The Plot Shop, a graphic design and specialty print shop located in Daphne, Alabama, retained Star Service, a leader in repairing, maintaining, engineering, and installing HVAC Systems, Refrigeration Systems, Building Automation, and Control Systems to install bipolar ionization technology into their existing HVAC system in order to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) at their facility.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this project was to address the persistent and strong ink and toner odors emanating from the large format plotters and related printing equipment utilized by The Plot Shop to support their operations. These odors were affecting indoor air quality at The Plot Shop.
SOLUTIONS
Seeking assistance for an effective solution to eliminate these odors and enhance the working environment for their staff, The Plot Shop reached out to several firms in the area looking for solutions to their problem. The most common response they received was to install an industrial exhaust fan into the ceiling.
The Plot Shop then reached out to Star Service office in Mobile, Alabama for a consultation. Star Service visited The Plot Shop and developed a preliminary budget for the design and installation of this type of fan, which involved cutting holes into the roof and walls of the facility while maintaining proper air balance. While a viable solution to the air quality concerns, the estimated cost of the work came in considerably above what the client had available in their budget.
Star Service began looking at other alternatives, and ultimately devised a plan that would deliver results at a fraction of the cost by utilizing GPS Air technology. Leveraging bipolar ionization technology — which reacts like sunlight in the atmosphere and produces a natural bio-climate rich in positive and negative oxygen ions — a small unit was strategically mounted to the existing ductwork in the return. The device charges airborne particles and causes them to cluster together and become caught in air filters, neutralizing particle matter and reducing airborne pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores, odors, and chemicals from cleaning agents and more.
With IAQ top of mind for so many businesses, Star Service had first become aware of this product several years beforehand, having installed similar equipment in various office settings experiencing mold concerns. Star Service’s team realized that this technology was effective in removing smells from various office and manufacturing environments, making it an optimal, cost-effective, and maintenance-free recommendation. They also found that it is extremely effective in addressing COVID-19 outbreaks.
EQUIPMENT
- GPS Air DM-2TM is an auto-cleaning needlepoint bipolar air ionization system designed for indoor duct mounting.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
The primary concern for the client was cost. With the installation of an exhaust fan exceeding The Plot Shop’s budget, the need for a cost-effective solution became paramount. The Plot Shop also wanted to avoid prolonged construction which would have been necessary for the installation of an exhaust fan. The GPS Air technology is relatively inexpensive and is easily installed within the supply duct or air handler of an HVAC system, without disturbing building occupants.
RESULTS
Star Service installed the GPS Air device and monitored the office space at the east and west sides of the building and provided IAQ Report Summaries prior to and after the installation of the GPS device. The report’s Contamination IndexTM (CI), which shows the types of air-contaminating products and materials that are present in the sampled area, showed a drastic reduction in airborne contaminants related to coatings (various paints, varnishes, inks, etc.). Subsequent reports found a reduction in both Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) levels and Total Mold Volatile Organic Compounds (TMVOC) levels, and employees reported improved air quality.
Benefits
- Multi-Voltage Input 24 VDC, 24–240 VAC
- Auto-Cleaning
- Operation Status Display
- Integral Building Automation System (BAS) Alarm Contacts
- Quick-Turn Duct Adapter
- 1/2" Hole for 3/8" Conduit Connector
- Carbon Fiber Brush Emitters
- UL 2998 Compliant
- UL 2043 Compliant
- CARB Compliant FCC
- Compliant (Part 18)