With the built-in air treatment system 'Eleminair', developed by engineering firm ABT and Interland Techniek, lift users can now breathe clean, virus-free air. Lifts can once again be used in normal occupancy, high-rise buildings are accessible again and queues at the lift are solved. Eleminair was recently awarded the Vernufteling, the Netherlands' most prestigious engineering award, by both the jury and the public.
Every day, millions of Dutch people use some 100,000 lifts in offices, hospitals and residential complexes. But due to COVID-19, lifts have become a bottleneck. There is a high risk of contamination because lifts are hardly ventilated or cleaned and users are close together. Limiting use to a maximum of two people creates long waiting times.
Cleanrooms
In the search for a solution, Ad van der Aa, consultant ABT and creator of Eleminair, was inspired by air treatment in operating theatres and clean rooms. There, a unidirectional airflow from the ceiling downwards has been the standard for years. With his basic idea, he approached Interland Techniek, a specialist in air distribution technology. Together, the technical concept was developed into a market-ready product in just under four months. Meanwhile, talks with the first clients, both in the private sector and the public sector, are well advanced.
Airflow measurements
The principle of the system is based on scientific research on the airborne spread of virus particles. Not only does it clean the air, but airflow from the ceiling also prevents larger droplets (droplets) and tiny droplets (aerosols) from being transmitted from person to person.
Ad van der Aa: "We constantly supply clean air in the upper zone of the lift car, i.e. at the passengers' breathing height. With a very high circulation rate, we ensure that the exhaled air is pushed to the bottom. That air is extracted and transported to the HEPA filter that filters out any contamination. Together with Interland Techniek, we have extensively tested the system in several prototypes based on airflow measurements. Based on the test results, we can prove that the lift passengers can always breathe fresh and clean air this way, even if they are closer together than 1.5 m." ABT has applied for a patent on the invention.
Aerosols
Peter van der Velde, commercial director at Interland Techniek: “In November 2020, Prof. Dr Daniel Bonn of the Institute of Physics at the University of Amsterdam conducted research into the behaviour of aerosols in the Eleminair system’s test setup. In September, he published research on aerosol transmission in hospital lifts. This showed that, under normal use, aerosols can remain in the air for as long as 10 to 20 minutes. Professor Bonn’s conclusion regarding the Eleminair system is clear: ‘The air-handling system significantly reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission via aerosols.’”
Interland Techniek, part of HC Groep will manufacture, market, assemble and service the system. Peter van der Velde: "Eleminair is a closed-circuit, self-contained system inside the lift car. It is custom-made. Without any interventions to the car structure. Re-inspection of the lift is therefore not necessary. "
Value retention
Ad van der Aa: "Lifts in offices, residential complexes, hospitals and other utilitarian buildings will soon be able to be used as usual again. Building owners and managers thus ensure value retention of their properties. This first has everything to become a standard in the market."
