Photocatalytic oxidation media and system

Abstract

A photocatalytic oxidation filter including a support medium and a photocatalyst provided on the support medium is configured to oxidize target compounds within an airstream when irradiated by a light source. In one embodiment, the support structure has an air permeability of more than approximately 155 CFM/ft 2 . In other embodiments, the air permeability of the support structure may be at least approximately 200 CFM/ft 2 or at least approximately 247 CFM/ft 2 . In another embodiment, the support medium is pleated and the air permeability of the support medium is less than approximately 155 CFM/ft 2 .

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A filter configured to photocatalytically oxidize target compounds in an air stream, the filter comprising:
 a support structure having an air permeability greater than approximately 155 CFM/ft 2 ; and   a photocatalyst supported by the support medium.   
     
     
         2 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the support structure is a fibrous matte. 
     
     
         3 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the photocatalyst is titanium dioxide. 
     
     
         4 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the photocatalyst is metalized with a noble metal. 
     
     
         5 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the support structure has an air permeability of at least approximately 200 CFM/ft 2 . 
     
     
         6 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the support structure has an air permeability of at least approximately 247 CFM/ft 2 . 
     
     
         7 . A filter configured to photocatalytically oxidize target compounds in an air stream, the filter comprising:
 a pleated support structure having an air permeability up to approximately 155 CFM/ft 2 ; and   a photocatalyst supported by the support medium.   
     
     
         8 . The filter of  claim 7  wherein the support structure is a fibrous matte. 
     
     
         9 . The filter of  claim 7 , wherein the photocatalyst is titanium dioxide. 
     
     
         10 . The filter of  claim 7 , wherein the photocatalyst is metalized with a noble metal. 
     
     
         11 . A method of oxidizing a concentration of target compounds in an airstream, the method comprising:
 passing the airstream through a filter having a photocatalyst on a support structure; and   irradiating the photocatalyst on the support structure with an ultraviolet light source.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the filter is configured to reduce the concentration of target compounds in the airstream at a rate of approximately 0.05 ppm/minute. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the filter is configured to reduce the concentration of target compounds in the airstream at a rate of approximately 0.24 ppm/minute. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising passing the airstream through the filter at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 182 L/min. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the support structure is pleated. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the support structure has an air permeability of less than approximately 155 CFM/ft 2 . 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the support structure has an air permeability of approximately 247 CFM/ft 2 . 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the support structure is a fibrous matte. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the photocatalyst is titanium dioxide. 
     
     
         20 . The filter of  claim 11 , wherein the photocatalyst is metalized with a noble metal.