In paper-based working environments, such as print shops, binderies or administrative offices, air quality is a key factor in ensuring the well-being of employees and the performance of equipment. The use of appropriate air purifiers effectively treats paper particles, dust and ink fumes, contributing to a healthy and productive working environment.
Sommaire
- Why use an air purifier in paper-based environments?
- Print shops, workshops, offices: the benefits of air purifiers
- How to choose the right air purifier for your workshop or office?
Why use an air purifier in paper-based environments?
Paper particles, dust, inks… Challenges for printing plants and workshops
Activities involving the intensive handling of paper inevitably generate fine particles and dust. These micro-particles may come from cutting, folding or printing, and disperse into the ambient air. What’s more, the inks used in printing processes can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially harmful to employees’ health. Prolonged inhalation of these substances can lead to respiratory disorders, irritation or allergies, and consequently impact productivity and increase absenteeism.
The challenges of office air quality
In office spaces, poor air quality due to the accumulation of dust and paper particles can cause discomfort, headaches and increased fatigue among employees. Installing air purifiers helps to maintain a healthy environment and promotes staff well-being, concentration and efficiency.
Print shops, workshops, offices: the benefits of air purifiers
Removal of dust and paper particles
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are particularly effective at capturing fine airborne particles, including those from paper. These filters retain up to 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles, ensuring optimum purification of ambient air.
Reduced dust build-up
Dust accumulation can affect the proper functioning of electronic and mechanical equipment, and eventually cause breakdowns or premature wear and tear. What’s more, stored documents can deteriorate more quickly in the presence of dust. The use of air purifiers reduces these risks, not only by maintaining a clean environment, but also by extending equipment life and preserving document integrity.
Cleaner air on your premises
Purified air reduces unpleasant odours and creates a more comfortable atmosphere, contributing directly to team comfort. It can also help to improve the company’s image, as the commitment to well-being and health in the workplace is an important criterion.
How air purifiers work to treat paper particles
State-of-the-art filtration systems
Air purifiers for offices, print shops and paper processing plants generally use several levels of filtration to ensure optimum purification:
HEPA filter: a high-performance barrier against fine particles
The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is the key element in purifiers designed for paper dust-laden environments. It captures up to 99.97% of suspended particles. from 0.3 micron, including :
- Paper dust generated by cutting and handling documents;
- Particles from laser printers and photocopiers;
- Allergens, dust mites and pollens in ambient air.
Thanks to its densely-woven fiber structure, the HEPA filter traps these contaminants and prevents their dispersion, improving the quality of the air breathed by employees.
Activated carbon filter: neutralizes odors and chemical emissions
Printing inks and toners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to health. An activated carbon filter is essential to absorb these substances and eliminate :
- Chemical odors from inks and solvents;
- Fumes and noxious fumes generated by certain production machines;
- Pollutant gases such as formaldehyde and benzene, often found in offices equipped with laser printers.
Activated carbon works through an adsorption process : pollutant molecules are trapped on the filter’s porous surface, preventing them from diffusing into the indoor air.
Advanced air treatment options and technologies
In addition to conventional filtration systems, some air purifiers for offices and workshops, such as the OberA range, offer additional features to maximize air treatment efficiency:
- Air ionization : some models emit negative ions that attach themselves to paper dust particles, making them easier to capture by the HEPA filter;
- Elimination of viruses and bacteria : UV-C technologies integrated into certain purifiers destroy pathogens present in the air;
- Quiet mode: ideal for office spaces, this mode reduces fan noise while maintaining efficient filtration.
How to choose the right air purifier for your workshop or office?
Air purifier capacity
It’s essential to select an air purifier whose capacity matches the size of the room. An undersized appliance will not be efficient, while an oversized model may result in unnecessary energy consumption. Product data sheets generally indicate the recommended surface area for optimum performance in m3/h (cubic meters per hour). For example, for a 20 m2 individual office, a flow rate of 200 m3/h will be sufficient. For a 50 m2 open-plan office, a flow rate of 700 m3/h will be required.
The filtration system
Make sure the purifier you choose is equipped with filters adapted to the pollutants present in your environment. At OberA, our purifiers feature a pre-filtration stage and fine filters. Most of our models incorporate a HEPA stage and are compatible with the use of carbon filters.
The availability and price of replacement filters are also factors to consider to ensure easy, cost-effective maintenance.
The word of the expert: at OberA, our air purifiers are designed for professional environmentsespecially those associated with paper. They incorporate advanced technology to effectively capture and eliminate fine particles, dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by inks.
Equipment design and functionality
The device’s design must blend harmoniously with your workspace. Compact, white models are often preferred for offices because of their discretion. What’s more, certain features, such as air quality indicators, silent modes or timer programming, can enhance the purifier’s user experience and efficiency.
