As far as air purifiers go, the Alpine Living Air Classic [now sold by EcoQuest International] is neither cheap nor does it look cheap. Weighing 19 pounds, the Classic is housed in a wooden cabinet available to consumers in four colors: dark walnut, light oak, putty, and black. It is a solid unit with a thick six foot electrical cord. Claiming coverage of up to 3,000 square feet most homes could operate with just one unit although a second one might be needed if your house is large, indoor air pollution is high, or you have high humidity. Prices currently start at $549 so it is no cheap investment.

How does it work? The unit produces ozone which coupled with an active fan it reproduces and spreads the clean, fresh scent of a thunderstorm throughout your home. Okay, I am parroting some of the marketing material…I had to because it isnt that easy to describe.

So, does it work? As far as producing the thunderstorm scent it certainly does. As far as getting rid of pollutants, odors, and the like I cannot tell you for sure that it does. Indeed there has been plenty of controversy and government rulings against the reported claims of air purifiers over the years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency {EPA}, Consumers Union [they produce Consumers Report magazine], and the American Lung Association.

The EPA has this to say, whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.” They go on to say, some studies show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can exceed health standards even when one follows manufacturers instructions. Many factors affect ozone concentrations including the amount of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor space, the amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone concentration, and the amount of ventilation. These factors make it difficult to control the ozone concentration in all circumstances.”

In conclusion, the EPA states: Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution. The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive.

As you can imagine, I no longer use my Alpine Living Air Classic. It sits in my office, unplugged, and working well in its new role as a coffee cup holder while I work on my computer. Frankly, the claims made against this unit made by the federal government and others are certainly frightening.

So, how do I achieve clean air today? Again, by visiting the EPAs site I have learned that there are 3 common approaches to reducing indoor air pollution:

Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution;

Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation, and

Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods.

Of the three, the first approach — source control — is the most effective. This involves minimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices to minimize biological contaminants (including the control of humidity and moisture, and occasional cleaning and disinfection of wet or moist surfaces), and using good housekeeping practices to control particles.

The second approach — outdoor air ventilation — is also effective and commonly employed. Ventilation methods include installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants, increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows, especially when pollutant sources are in use.

The third approach — air cleaning — is not generally regarded as sufficient in itself, but is sometimes used to supplement source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers are often used to remove airborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate.

If you are intent on purchasing any air purifier, I recommend that you first do plenty of independent research apart from what the marketers tell you. By following the 3 methods stressed by the EPA you should be able to achieve acceptable indoor cleanliness without resorting to purchasing expensive even dangerous air sanitization equipment.

For more information please read:

The EPAs Position:

www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

Some Air Purifiers May Produce Dangerous Levels of Ozone:

http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/2456

What is Ozone Air Pollution?

http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/indoor_air_quality/ozone_generatiors.html

Alpine Living Air Classic Taking A Closer Look is a post from: Technology News and Gadget Reviews | Nimbusmeta.com

Compressors come with or without air storage tanks. Compact compressors generally use a diaphragm type pump powered be an electric motor.

Since the capacity of the compact compressor is limited, they are primarily used for hobby and light spray painting. Compact compressors do have the capacity to run glue guns, inflate low pressure tires and sports equipment.

The unit must run continuously, since there is no reserve tank on the compact compressor. Using connecting rods sealed in oil free bearings provides and oil free air supply.

Compact compressors generally have wheels and a handle for easy pulling. They weigh around 30 lbs. and commonly have a hp engine.

Designed similar to the cylinder/piston mechanism of an automobile are the piston type compressors. Utilizing a gas or electric motor to drive the pump unit, these compressors will have either one or two cylinders, depending on the compressors size.

Piston compressors are more durable and offer a greater work capacity. These compressors, in the past, required lubrication for the piston and cylinder. Oil free piston compressors are now available and, having self lubricating parts, perform as well as or better than conventional compressors.

Horsepower ratings on compressors refers to the motor that powers the pump unit. The higher the horsepower equates to a more powerful compressor with greater work capacity.

Other ratings include cubic feet per minute (cfm) which is the volume of air that the compressor supplies. The size and number of tools operating from the compressor will determine the amount of cfm required.

The amount of air pressure generated by the compressor is referred to as psi or pounds per square inch. Tools also have a psi rating, which must be considered when matching the tools to the compressor.

Gasoline powered compressors are desirable for use where air tools are needed away from a source of electricity.

Eye protection should always be worn when operating air tools. Air powered tools have high power and fast rotation.

TOOLS

Sizing of the tool intake (1/4, 3/8,1/2,3/4 and 1) will determine the size of connectors attached to the air hose as well as the psi and cfm required to operate the air tool. Some of the most popular tools include blow gun, drill, grease gun, grinder, hammer, impact wrench, nail gun, stapler, ratchet, sand blaster, sander, saw spray gun, tire chuck, tire inflator, die grinder and riveter. Kits are also available to adapt and compliment the use of air tools.

Air Tools is a post from: Technology News and Gadget Reviews | Nimbusmeta.com

Factors to Consider in an Air Compressor

Consider how often you will use air compressors and how it will be used. What tools will you be using and how much power will be needed to operate them? Some tools, like nail guns, dont need high volume compressor. Others, such as drills or sanders do need high volume because they require steady air flow.

Set a budget for your purchase. The price for these machines varies significantly from brand to brand. Buying a used compressor is one way to make your budget stretch further.

The style of the pump is another consideration. The most common are direct drive and belt drive. Direct drive pumps will last up to five hundred hours. These take up less room in your workshop. They are well suited for moderate uses. Another benefit of these is that no oil changes are needed. Belt drive pumps require oil changes every five hundred hours and will last for about fifteen hundred hours. These are good for do it yourself as well as professional use.

Consider the power of the compressor. Consider both the horsepower and pound per square inch (PSI) pressure. Make sure it is more powerful than the most powerful tool you will be using. Check your tools before purchasing the compressor.

The tank size is another important consideration. These come in sizes from two to one hundred gallons. The more you will use the equipment, the larger the tank you will need. Always go a little larger than you think you will need. This will ensure that you can get the optimum use from the compressor.

Finding an Affordable Air Compressor

Shop around before purchasing air compressor systems. Compare brands and read reviews on the internet. Compare the machines and features of each. Similar machines can differ by hundreds of dollars.

Consider a reconditioned machine. In these, the machines have been completely inspected. Worn or damaged air compressor parts are replaced. Many of these have gotten very little use and are in nearly new condition. You can find equipment at a considerable savings. Look for a model with a one year warranty to be sure you are getting a quality product.

Consider shopping online. Often, the prices are considerably less than in some stores. Many ship straight from the factory, saving retail mark up. This savings can be significant. In many cases, you wont need to pay sales tax on the equipment, which can add up. Many sites offer free shipping on these purchases, so it wont cost any additional money for shipping.

Air Compressor Purchasing Guide is a post from: Technology News and Gadget Reviews | Nimbusmeta.com

1. How They Work

Air compressors work out by two different methods. The first is the air compressor that runs by electricity. The other one is the air compressor that runs by means of natural gas. Obviously, it is the air compressor that feeds on natural gas that is more cost effective among the two. An industrial plant will be able to save more and cut down the cost consumption when an air compressor by natural gas is employed. However, if the place for the working operation is located in an enclosed area, then it is health-wise to make use of an air compressor run by electricity in order to get rid of the gas fumes that may be a threat to the healths safety of all the workers.

2. Suitable For Heavy Workload

If a business plant operates at a high level and needs an air compressor that will serve its purpose for heavy duties, then a two-stage air compressor is advisable. In more ways than one, this heavy-duty air compressor provides a higher level of efficiency compared to that of the smaller, single-stage air compressors. Also, this heavy-duty air compressor is also able to store large amounts of air needed for future use.

3. Types Available

If you are to buy an air compressor, it is best to think of its capacity to store compressed air. It is essential to consider the power delivered by the types of air compressors available in the market. A two-stage air compressor is more energy efficient compared to that of the single-stage compressor. Why? It is so because of the fact that the two-stage air compressor produces more air per unit of horsepower. Likewise, less heat is generated. Thus, paving the way for a longer life service. Take note that electric air compressors can also be utilized for light-duty applications. There are portable electric compressors that are handy to be carried from one location to another as you wish.

4. Excellent Results

Then, an air compressor buyer needs to bear in mind the efficiency rating of his prospect air compressor equipment. Surely enough, you would want every purchase to be not only valuable but capable as well. What will you do to an equipment that will not survive the tough challenge you require of it after every single cent that you have spent for it?

5. Considerations

In considering an air compressor for purchase, the ratings set by the mechanical engineers association can be the bases for the testimonies of the quality and protective features comprised into the equipment. Next, be sure that the air compressor that you are planning to buy includes a safety relieve valve for the escape of air if the tanks pressure exceeds the maximum, a belt guard for protection purposes, and an enclosed air intake filtration system.

6. Attachments

The air compressors need to be secured with the attachments that are to be used for its connection to the air tube. The common tool attachments employed into the air compressor are the blowgun, a nail gun, air stapler, air sander, spray gun, or air ratchet wrench. It is the blowgun which is used for the compressed air to blow away the dirt and dust. The nail gun takes charge of the nails application even without the hammer. These tools are widely available in hardware stores for purchase.

When buying either a brand new or a second-hand air compressor, these things are to be carefully noted. It is for your own benefit both as the buyer and the user. Another tip to take note of is the frequency that an air compressor is to be used. If the air compressors use is called for in just a few times, then it is wise to just rent it. The tools as attachments can also be rented. If, however, the use of the air compressor is permanently required, then it will be better to buy one.

Air Compressor Buying Tips is a post from: Technology News and Gadget Reviews | Nimbusmeta.com