Mechanical Cleaning Techniques

Mechanical Cleaning Techniques  Mechanical techniques are useful to clean certain HVAC components including duct work, fan components, diffusers, dampers, and internal surfaces of the air handling unit. When using mechanical cleaning methods, strict controls such as physical barriers, devices equipped with HEPA filtered exhaust, and system negative pressure must be used to contain and collect debris. Mechanical cleaning methods incorporate techniques to agitate and dislodge material as well as contain and remove it. Agitation devices may include power brushes, pressurized air and water systems, as well as hand tools such as brushes. Collection of dislodged particulate debris is achieved by vacuums. A vacuum collection device with an appropriate capture velocity should be connected to a service opening and operated continuously to collect material as it is dislodged. In certain areas of the HVAC system, direct contact vacuuming with a brush may be used to remove material from contaminated surfaces.