Michigan State Capitol Ground Level Louvers - Equipment Protection Air Filter Application

         Michigan State Capitol, a historic landmark built in Lansing Michigan in 1879, proudly displays it's post-Civil War style of monumental fireproof architecture.  Following the national trend of modeling state capitols after our nations capitol in Washington D.C., the building was constructed to house the state government, as well as to serve as a suitable repository for mementoes of the war itself.  Enduring extensive  historical restoration from 1987-1992, the building's interior and exterior was returned to it's original appearance, while being adapted for the future as a modern hub of governmental activities.

           Updating the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting and electrical systems were a major part of the restoration process.  The renovated offices and it's employees currently occupy 4 floors and approximately 180,000 cubic feet of space.  The ventilation and electrical systems are located in the building's basement or below ground outside of the landmark building.  Ground level air intake louvers are utilized to draw outside air into the heating and ventilating units, as well as house electrical systems that control the lighting used to illuminate the exterior of the building.  Maintenance staff complained that through out the year, debris from grass clippings, trees, crop farming, snow, insects and trash were being drawn into the air intake louvers.  Airflow obstructions in these types of equipment can be a costly expense, and require cleaning 4-6 times per year to prevent equipment damage and allow the systems to run at peak efficiencies.  Continuous cleaning required removal of the grates, and a huge block of man hours and equipment downtime.  Midwest Air Filter, an air filtration specialist and distributor out of Lansing, Michigan, came up with a cost effective and long-term filtration solution for their customer at the Capital Building facility.

            Midwest recommended Permatron's Patented PreVent® Equipment Protection Filters to effectively prevent debris from entering the ground level louvers above the air intakes. Custom designed and manufactured to equipment specifications, multiple sizes ranging from 21.5"-30" wide by 39"-75.5" long were needed to protect the 2 large lighting system louvers and the 32 intakes leading to the HVAC ductwork.  Permatron sewed black vinyl binding to the edges of black UV protected electrostatic polypropylene media, and then inserted numerous heavy duty grommets spaced every 4" around all four edges.  Disposable twist ties are used to affix the PreVent filter to the top of the metal louvers.  No equipment modifications or electrical hookups are required.  PreVent filters are easily cleaned in place by rinsing with a hose or using a portable shop vacuum or landscaper's blower.  The black polypropylene media is UV protected and contains an inherent electrostatic charge that won't diminish over time, so it will provide the Michigan State Capital and it's tax payers years of equipment protection.   PreVent® the damage before it's too late!

Patent No. US 6,793,715

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Last modified: April 19, 2007