Measurement and modeling of airbone concentrations and indoor surface accumulation rates of ionic substances at Neenah,Wisconsin

The objective of this continuing investigation of indoor/outdoor/surface relationships has been to develop an accurate method for predicting and subsequently managing the accumulation rates and ultimately the effects of corrosive substance on electronic equipment surface in field and manufacturing environments. We previously reported indoor/outdoor ratios and deposition velocities for Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ associated with fine and coarse particles at telephone company switching equipment locations in Wichita (Kansas), Lubbock (Texas) and Newark (New Jersey). Using the results from these studies, a methodology was developed for predicting the average indoor surface accumulation rates of ionic substances from their outdoor concentrations.In this paper we report new results for a site at Neenah, Wisconsin. At this site detailed data on the operational status of the air handling euipment were also obtained through a permanent monitoring system. These data and the data on ionic species have been used in mass balance model that calculates indoor concentrations from outdoor concentrations. Coupling this mass balance model with the measured deposition velocities substantially improves the earlier methodology for predicting surface accumulation rates from outdoor concentrations and enables decision makers to evaluate the effects of various manipulations in critical air handling system operating variables. Informed decisions can now be made when striking a balance between energy and indoor use and indoor air quality or equipment reliability.