CTT Systems tackles issue of VOCs

CTT Systems has teamed with two Swedish specialists in air filtration to produce a modified humidifier to counter the problem of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

These substances, such as acetone, benzene and toluene, can be found from various sources inside the aircraft as well as from the ingestion of exhaust fumes or deicing fluid into the aircraft’s environmental control system from outside. Oil leaks caused by engine bearing seal leaks are another source of VOCs. These produce similar symptoms to dry air but high levels can cause performance impairment or, in rare cases, incapacitation. In addition, VOCs can react with oxygen (O2) in flight to produce ozone (O3), which is also an irritant to mucous and respiratory tissues.

Using Munters current pad solution together with a newly developed active carbon filter solution from Camfil at the upstream end, the new unit will reduce VOCs by up to 80%. and ozone by 70-75%, both in the air and during fume events on the ground. The new pad also has a service life of 4,000 flight hours, the same as the humidifier, so it can be simply replaced with no special tools or routines required.

The team has produced a conceptual design for the Boeing 777X, which is about to complete testing, ahead of a proposed September launch. The solution can also be simply swapped out with the current 787 cockpit humidifier.