Particulate abatement and environmental control system
First Claim
1. A method of providing an improved temporary working environment during removal or encapsulation of hazardous particulate material from a working space substantially sealed from space exterior of the working space, the method comprising:
- powering one or more portable air moving units for exhausting air including hazardous particulate material from the defined working space and maintaining a negative pressure within the working space with respect to the space external of the working space;
monitoring the level of negative pressure within the working space;
filtering the exhausted air to remove the hazardous particulate material;
discharging a first portion of the exhausted air to the space exterior of the working space;
powering a portable conditioning unit to condition a second portion of the exhausted air, the second portion of the exhausted air being defined by the exhausted air less the discharged air;
returning the conditioned air to the working space; and
regulating the amount of the first portion of the exhausted air in response to the monitored level of negative pressure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved techniques are provided for improving the environment of hazardous material abatement personnel operating within an enclosed working area while conducting, for example, asbestos removal operations. A negative pressure is established within the working area by a portable air moving unit, which exhausts air from the working area to prevent hazardous material leakage. The exhausted air is filtered, a significant portion of the exhausted air is conditioned by a portable refrigeration, heating and dehumidification system, and the temperature controlled air is returned to the working area. An air diverter is provided for regulating the ratio of the discharged air to the returned and conditioned air in response to the sensed pressure level within the working area. The temperature of the working area is regulated, thereby substantially increasing worker productivity and reducing safety risks. The humidity level within the working area may either be lowered to reduce the curing time for hazardous material final encapsulation operations, or increased to reduce the airborne contaminant level during wet abatement operations. Leakage from the working area is preferably minimized, while the efficiency of the portable conditioning unit is maximized.
89 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of providing an improved temporary working environment during removal or encapsulation of hazardous particulate material from a working space substantially sealed from space exterior of the working space, the method comprising:
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powering one or more portable air moving units for exhausting air including hazardous particulate material from the defined working space and maintaining a negative pressure within the working space with respect to the space external of the working space; monitoring the level of negative pressure within the working space; filtering the exhausted air to remove the hazardous particulate material; discharging a first portion of the exhausted air to the space exterior of the working space; powering a portable conditioning unit to condition a second portion of the exhausted air, the second portion of the exhausted air being defined by the exhausted air less the discharged air; returning the conditioned air to the working space; and regulating the amount of the first portion of the exhausted air in response to the monitored level of negative pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for improving the working environment of a working space substantially sealed from space external of the working space during hazardous particulate material abatement operations, the apparatus comprising:
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a portable air moving unit for exhausting air including hazardous particulate material from the working space and maintaining a negative pressure within the working space with respect to the space external of the working space; pressure sensing means for monitoring the level of negative pressure within the working space; a filter unit for filtering the exhausted air to remove the hazardous particulate material; a discharge duct for discharging a first portion of the filtered exhausted air to the space exterior of the working space; a portable conditioning unit for conditioning a second portion of the exhausted air, the second portion of the exhausted air being defined by the exhausted air less the discharged air; a return duct for returning the conditioned air to the working space; and air discharge control means for regulating the amount of the first portion of the exhausted air in response to the pressure sensing means. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification