COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) HEALTHY BUILDING STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS
Table of Contents What is a Virus? ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 What is Coronavirus? ............................................................................................................................................ 2 HEALTHY BUILDING STRATEGIES – What Can You Do? ............................................................................. 3 Does UV-C Kill Airborne Viruses? ...................................................................................................................... 3 UV-C in HVAC Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 3 UV-C Installations ................................................................................................................................................... 4 UV-C Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude ........................................................................................................ 7 Bi-Polar Ionization – How does it work? ......................................................................................................... 8 What is an Ion & where does it come from? .................................................................................................. 8 Bi-Polar Ionization Application .......................................................................................................................... 9 Bi-Polar Ionization Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude ............................................................................ 11 Building Ventilation Optimization.................................................................................................................. 12 Ventilation Optimization Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude................................................................ 12 Facility Disinfection ............................................................................................................................................. 13 Facility Disinfection Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude.......................................................................... 13 Pricing Comparison Sheet................................................................................................................................. 14 Disclaimer and References ................................................................................................................................ 14 APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................................... 15 Signify and Boston University validate effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources on inactivating the virus that causes COVID-19 .......................................................................................... 15 Global Plasma Solutions – COVID-19 Testing Update ........................................................................ 16
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What is a Virus? Viruses are small infectious agents that replicate in lining cells of other organisms such as in humans, animals and plants. Viruses are typically smaller than bacteria and while antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, they are not effective against viruses 1.
What is Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range from a common cold to more severe diseases such as the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the 2012 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)2. Scientist have found that COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China, can remain infectious on surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days. In human-to-human transmission, coronaviruses incubate for two to ten days and can spread via airborne droplets, contaminated hands and other surfaces. The current outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus is rapidly developing and new updates are frequently announced. The World Health Organization has a video about the Coronavirus, and the BBC has a visual guide to the outbreak.
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HEALTHY BUILDING STRATEGIES – What Can You Do? Does UV-C Kill Airborne Viruses? The Ultraviolet Germicidal Wavelength (UV-C or UVGI) kills all known microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, molds and other pathogens-even antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) states that the UV-C wavelength can kill up to 90% of all microorganisms living on HVAC air ducts and evaporator coils, depending on light intensity, length of exposure, UV lamp replacement and lamp life cycle.
UV-C in HVAC Equipment Light energy in the ultraviolet-C (UV-C) wavelength has been used extensively in HVAC equipment since the mid-1990s to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by eliminating the buildup of biofilms and other organic contaminants on the surfaces of system components, including cooling coils, plenum interiors, drain pans, and air filters. UV-C works by disassociating elemental bonds, which in turn disinfects and disintegrates organic materials. "Modern UV-C lamps are very similar to fluorescent lamps typically found in ceiling fixtures. Both types of lamps are manufactured on fluorescent lamp machines in similar form factors (lengths and diameters), and they operate using identical electrochemical processes: an electric discharge through argon gas strikes mercury vapor to generate a photon with a wavelength of 253.7 nm (typically called UV-C), which is invisible." 3
UV-C systems provide three levels of benefits when applied to HVAC systems. Level 1: HVAC system efficiency: UV-C eliminates and/or prevents the buildup of organic material on the surfaces of cooling coils, drain pans, and interior duct surfaces. This improves airflow, returns and maintains the heat-transfer levels of cooling coils to “as-built� capacity, and reduces maintenance. Level 2: IAQ: UV-C improves airflow levels and eliminates organic material on surfaces, which helps improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing pathogens and odors. This improves occupant productivity, boosts comfort levels, and reduces sick time. Level 3: Economic impact: The impact that UV-C has on mechanical systems and occupants translates into substantial economic benefits, including reductions in energy consumption, energy cost, and carbon footprint; reductions in hot/cold complaints and maintenance actions associated with complaints; reductions in system downtime and staff time needed for chemical or mechanical cleaning; and increases in occupant satisfaction and productivity. On average, UV-C slashes 10% to 15% of HVAC FAN ENERGY.
UV-C Installations Air Handler UV-C Installation: simple, flexible, and affordable system design that is easily configurable to fit into most any plenum. This application is good for killing all known microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, molds and other pathogens and coil irradiation. Using Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) lamp coating technology protects a system, space, and installer from lamp residues such as gas, mercury, and glass should an accidental lamp break occur.
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Roof Top HVAC Unit and Duct Installation , NEMA 4x rated, single-ended lamp fixture that can be used in most roof top HVAC units and duct mounted. The multi-volt input (120277Vac) power supply that includes end-of-lamp-life protection. Installs on the exterior of most any HVAC unit or duct, outdoors or in, and the lamp projects into the airstream.
P1 Group Inc. – Lenexa Install Classroom/Waiting Room Installation , Upper room ultraviolet (UV) lights have been an effective tool in reducing the risk of airborne disease transmission for decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): “studies have shown that a properly designed and maintained upper-room UVGI system may be effective in killing or inactivating TB bacteria” Upper air ultraviolet (UV) light fixtures are used to mitigate nosocomial infections, colds and flu, etc. in educational classrooms and health care settings, including waiting and patient rooms, virtually anywhere there is a threat or desire to reduce infectious microbes.
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Remedial In-Room UV-C Decontamination: InRoom Decontamination System is a mobile unit equipped with high output UV-C bulbs. It provides a safe and effective way to decontaminate surfaces infested with mold, bacteria or viruses. Place the mobile system into the infected area, leave the room and activate it remotely, allowing the energy from the high output UV-C bulbs to decontaminate walls, tabletops and other surfaces. A 12’ X 12’ area typically decontaminates viruses in less than 10 minutes. Multiple systems may be used in larger used to treat large rooms.
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UV-C Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude Prices for these installations vary by each customer’s needs. Below is a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for the three scenarios listed above. Please contact your P1 Group sales representative, Service Manager or Technician for a detailed UV-C Engineered Proposal for your facility.
Air Handler and Roof Top UV-C Installation 3 – 5 ton
~ 1,050 – 2,000 ft2
Budget $4,210 each
7.5 – 10 ton
~ 2,600 – 4,000 ft2
Budget $5,560 each
12.5 – 17.5 ton
~ 4,600 – 7,000 ft2
Budget $6,450 each
20 – 30 ton
~ 7,500 – 12,000 ft2
Budget $7,270 each
40 ton
~ 16,000 cfm
Budget $8,200 each
50 ton
~ 20,000 cfm
Budget $9,460 each
75 ton
~ 30,000 cfm
Budget $12,620 each
Classroom/Waiting Room Installation – upper room UV-C Room Size <150 sq ft
Budget $1,850 each
Room Size <225 sq ft
Budget $2,000 each
NOTE: Electrical – 8 – 10ft 120V cord with plug
In-Room UV-C Decontamination System Portable Unit
Budget $7,500 each
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Bi-Polar Ionization – How does it work? Bi-Polar ionization is an air cleaning method that has been around for many years. Only recently has it become the focus of attention again due to COVID-19 and its ability to inactivate viruses. Technology advancements have also allowed the purification process to occur while not generating Ozone or other harmful by products. Bi-Polar ionization technology works to safely clean the air inside industrial, commercial and residential buildings. The patented technology uses an electronic charge to create a plasma field filled with a high concentration of + and - ions. As these ions travel with the air stream they attach to particles, pathogens and gas molecules. The ions help to agglomerate fine submicron particles, making them filterable. The ions kill pathogens by robbing them of lifesustaining hydrogen. The ions breakdown harmful VOC’s with an Electron Volt Potential under twelve (eV<12) into harmless compounds like O2, CO2, N2, and H2O. The ions produced travel within the air stream into the occupied spaces, cleaning the air everywhere the ions travel, even in spaces unseen.
What is an Ion & where does it come from? An ion is a molecule or atom that is positively or negatively charged, meaning that it has electrons to give or needs electrons to become uncharged, thus becoming stable. GPS’ technology generates the same ions as Mother Nature creates with lightning, waterfalls, and ocean waves. Mother Nature uses energy to break apart molecules. It is nature’s way of cleansing the air naturally and creating a healthy environment. The only difference is that GPS’ technology does it without forming ozone or other harmful byproducts.
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Most people associate waterfalls, beaches and the time immediately following a thunderstorm as a time when they can smell how ‘fresh’ or ‘clean’ the air is. What they are actually experiencing is the effects of an ion rich environment naturally cleaning or having cleaned the air. However, it should be noted that there is no proven mechanism for humans to perceive ions, nor is there a proven physiological response to air ions.
Bi-Polar Ionization Application The ions only live an average life of 30-60 seconds before they have ‘clung’ to something and inactivated or killed it, effectively completing its intended purpose. Bi-Polar ionization can be installed in one or both of two main applications. First, being to clean the air itself and the air tunnel or to clean the air itself and maximize the amount of ions traveling into the occupied space. 1. Install Ionizer upstream of the cooling coil or on face of coil a. Kills or inactivates microbes, mold, bacteria, viruses etc… that grow on coils & airborne b. Will help clean entire air tunnel of any microbes, mold, bacteria, viruses etc… 2. Install duct mounted Ionizer downstream of unit or specified locations of branch ductwork a. Kills or inactivates airborne microbes, mold, bacteria, viruses etc… b. Will travel out into the occupied space and treat all surfaces it comes into contact with even unseen spaces, under tables etc… c. Provides the cleanest and ‘freshest’ occupied environment
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Both applications have inherent advantages for your overall building health and whenever possible both applications should be installed. This will maximize system efficiency and cleanliness as well as provide the cleanest occupied environment. When Bi-Polar Ionizers are incorporated in an engineered system with filtration; MERV 8 filters and an ionizer can be as effective as MERV 13 filters. As ions agglomerate to their subject they fall out of the air in a nature similar to dust, making it an easy cleanup. Bi-Polar Ionization will also help to reduce any unwanted odors.
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Bi-Polar Ionization Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude Prices for these installations vary by each customer’s needs. Below is a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for the two scenarios listed above. Please contact your P1 Group sales representative, Service Manager or Technician for a detailed UV-C Engineered Proposal for your facility.
Air Handler and Roof Bi-Polar Ionization Installation 3 - 5 ton
~ 1,050 – 2,000 ft2
Budget $2,280 each
7.5 – 10 ton
~ 2,600 – 4,000 ft2
Budget $2,320 each
12.5 – 17.5 ton
~ 4,600 – 7,000 ft2
Budget $2,830 each
20 – 30 ton
~ 7,500 – 12,000 ft2
Budget $6,220 each
40 ton
~ 16,000 cfm
Budget $9,430 each
50 ton
~ 20,000 cfm
Budget $9,820 each
75 ton
~ 30,000 cfm
Budget $12,075 each
Duct Mounted Installation (no fan access or large ductwork network) VAV or Branch Duct Mounted (up to 4,800 cfm)
Budget $2,360 each
NOTE: Electrical circuit required for some locations; pricing based on a single install.
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Building Ventilation Optimization Another strategy in maintaining a healthy building is to ensure that your facility is meeting minimum ventilation standards as defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air quality. This standard defines the minimum ventilation that is required to maintain proper ventilation in your facility under typical circumstances. ASHRAE, the EPA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) have published information acknowledging inadequate ventilation as a contributing factor to sick building syndrome. Below is a list of services offered by P1 Group to evaluate and optimize ventilation of your existing systems. Services offered:
Measurement of existing ventilation rates in your facility Analysis to determine if your current ventilation rates meet ASHRAE 62.1 standards Review of system control strategies for ventilation Review of system capacity to determine if the existing HVAC systems can accommodate more ventilation Physical modifications and/or programming of controls to increase ventilation to meet or exceed ASHRAE 62.1
Ventilation Optimization Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude Cost Per AHU or RTU Field measurements and adjustments per AHU ASHRAE 62.1 analysis, capacity review
Budget $650 TBD based on available information
Physical modifications and controls programming
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TBD based on field discovery
Facility Disinfection P1 Group offers disinfection services for your facility. The scope of the disinfection depends on whether there has been a known presence of a Covid-19 positive person, or whether this is a preventive measure. The levels of service are as listed below:
Pro-Active Cleaning: This service includes disinfecting to minimize transmission of viral pathogens where no potential or actual exposure is expected. It includes electrostatic fogging followed by wiping of hard surfaces.
High Touch Cleanup: This level of service is required for a situation involving a person who is suspected to have COVID-19 or a Person Under Investigation (PUI); which is someone who is involved in a quarantine situation or has come in contact with someone who has been in a quarantine situation, or has come in contact with someone testing positive. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of high touch nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of high touch porous surfaces.
Enhanced Cleanup: Enhanced cleanup is required for an area in which a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 has inhabited. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of all nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of all porous surfaces. This enhanced cleaning includes walls up to 8 feet but excludes ceilings.
Facility Disinfection Cost – Rough Order of Magnitude
Pro-Active Cleaning: $0.60 per sq. ft. day time, $0.85 per sq. ft. for night or weekend cleaning High Touch or Enhanced Cleanup: $0.98 per sq. ft. day time, $1.31 per sq. ft. for night or weekend cleanup Disinfection services can be one time or recurring and can be added to any existing P1 Group service contract.
Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions concerning this information, please feel free to call P1 Group at 913-529-5000.
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Pricing Comparison Sheet Unit Tonnage
Approximate Sq. Ft.
UV-C Germicidal
Bi-Polar Ionization
3 - 5 ton
~ 1,050 – 2,000 ft2
Budget $4,210 each
Budget $2,280 each
7.5 – 10 ton
~ 2,600 – 4,000 ft2
Budget $5,560 each
Budget $2,320 each
12.5 – 17.5 ton
~ 4,600 – 7,000 ft2
Budget $6,450 each
Budget $2,830 each
20 – 30 ton
~ 7,500 – 12,000 ft2
Budget $7,270 each
Budget $6,220 each
40 ton
~ 16,000 ft2
Budget $8,200 each
Budget $9,430 each
50 ton
~ 20,000 ft2
Budget $9,460 each
Budget $9,820 each
75 ton
~ 30,000 ft2
Budget $12,620 each
Budget $12,075each
Disclaimer and References The services described in this document do not guarantee prevention of the transmission or contraction of any infection, virus or disease.
This Proposal and Design information is: PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL PROPERTY OF P1 GROUP, INC. DISTRIBUTION TO OTHER THAN NAMED RECIPIENT IS PROHIBITED © 2020 P1 GROUP, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20058098
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https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
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https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext
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http://www.uvresources.com/
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https://www.steril-aire.com/
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https://globalplasmasolutions.com/
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https://www.signify.com/en-us/our-company/news/press-releases/2020/20200616-signify-boston-university-validateeffectiveness-signify-uvc-light-sources-on-inactivating-virus-that-causes-covid19
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APPENDIX Signify and Boston University validate effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources on inactivating the virus that causes COVID-19 June 16, 2020
Test results show that the virus could no longer be detected after seconds of exposure
Signify to make its UV-C lighting technology widely available to other lighting companies
Signify has been at the forefront of UV technology for more than 35 years
Somerset, New Jersey – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, together with the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL)1 at Boston University has conducted research that validates the effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources on the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Since the start of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Griffiths, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Boston University’s School of Medicine, and his team have been working on developing tools to support scientific advancement in this field.2 In their research, they treated inoculated material with different doses of UV-C radiation coming from a Signify light source and assessed the inactivation capacity under various conditions. The team applied a dose of 5mJ/cm2, resulting in a 99% reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in six seconds. Based on the data, it was determined that a dose of 22mJ/cm^2 will result in reduction of 99.9999% in 25 seconds.3 “Our test results show that above a specific dose of UV-C radiation, viruses were completely inactivated. In a matter of seconds, we could no longer detect any virus,” said Dr. Anthony Griffiths. “We’re very excited about these findings and hope that this will accelerate the development of products that can help limit the spread of COVID-19.” Signify is the leader in UV-C light sources and has been at the forefront of UV technology for more than 35 years. It has a proven track record of innovation in UV-C lighting, which is designed, manufactured and installed in line with the highest safety standards.
“I’m very happy about the fruitful cooperation with Boston University in the fight against the coronavirus. Boston University has validated the effectiveness of our light sources as a preventive measure for companies and institutions, as they seek ways to provide virus-free environments. Given the potential of the technology to aid the fight against the coronavirus, Signify will not keep the technology for its exclusive use but make it available to other lighting companies. To service the growing need for disinfection, we will increase our production capacity in the coming months.” Eric Rondolat CEO of Signify 1
The NEIDL is a state-of-the-art research facility that encompasses significant containment laboratories at Biosafety Level -2, -3, and -4 Dr. Griffiths’ team develops vaccines and therapeutics for Risk Group 3 and 4 viruses, which include organisms that can cause serious or deadly diseases in humans 3 Research variables are available upon request 2
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Global Plasma Solutions – COVID-19 Testing Update 3101 Yorkmont Road Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28208 (980) 279-5622 www.globalplasmasolutions.com June 9, 2020 GPS Partners, We are excited to pass along some additional news regarding GPS product performance testing. Tomorrow, June 10th, we will issue a press release to the public and we wanted to give each of you advanced notice on this latest development. We were able to secure a laboratory with SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. In this joint study between GPS and Aviation Clean Air, our aviation partner, a test was designed to simulate ion concentrations consistent with those achieved in an airplane fuselage. Read below to find the pending press release communication regarding these test results. This release should be treated as confidential until it goes out for public consumption tomorrow. Upon release we will also share the updated “GPS Performance Validation – Independent Laboratory Testing Results” document where you will find study specifics. -GPS Press ReleaseGlobal Plasma Solutions, the leader in Indoor Air Quality, announced today industry-leading ionization testing results, demonstrating a 99.4% reduction rate on a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) surface strain within 30 minutes. To neutralize the pathogen, Global Plasma Solutions utilized its proprietary needlepoint bipolar ionization, which both removes harmful pathogens from the air, as well as any particulate matter that intensifies the spread of a pathogen. The study was jointly executed with Aviation Clean Air. In this laboratory study, Aviation Clean Air designed a test to mimic ionization conditions like that of a commercial aircraft’s fuselage. Based on viral titrations, it was determined that at 10 minutes, 84.2% of the virus was inactivated. At 15 minutes, 92.6% of the virus was inactivated, and at 30 minutes, 99.4% of the virus was inactivated. “The testing results we achieved through our proprietary needlepoint bipolar ionization technology clearly demonstrate that Global Plasma Solutions is the gold standard in air purification,” said Global Plasma Solutions Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Charles Waddell. “Particularly for the aviation industry, delivering the cleanest, safest indoor air environment will only become increasingly more important, and our ozone-free technology is one of the most sophisticated products on the market. -EndPlease let us know if you have any questions Regards, Kevin J. Boyle Global Plasma Solution
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