Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Control and MCC Rooms
Industrial facilities rely on control rooms and motor control centers (MCCs) to keep operations running smoothly. These spaces house sensitive electronics and equipment that must operate flawlessly — yet their performance is often threatened by something invisible: poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
When air quality is compromised, corrosion can silently damage electrical systems, leading to costly downtime, safety hazards, and shortened equipment life. Understanding the conditions that accelerate corrosion is the first step in preventing it.
What Accelerates Corrosion in Critical Rooms?
- High Humidity
Moisture in the air is a key driver of corrosion. When humidity levels rise, thin films of water form on surfaces, allowing chemical reactions with contaminants to speed up. Even small increases above 60% relative humidity can create conditions for rapid equipment degradation. - Unbalanced Room Pressure
Without proper airflow, contaminants can accumulate inside control rooms. Stagnant air means gases and particulates linger longer, increasing the chances they’ll interact with equipment surfaces. With proper room pressurization, contaminated air can be mitigated or eliminated from the environment. - Temperature Fluctuations
Frequent shifts between hot and cold cause condensation — tiny droplets of water forming on sensitive components. This moisture provides the perfect environment for corrosion to take hold. - Presence of Multiple Reactive Gases
Industrial environments often release corrosive gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, chlorine, or ozone. Alone, each gas can cause damage — but together, their combined reactions often accelerate corrosion exponentially.
The Cost of Ignoring IAQ in Control Rooms
- Equipment failure and downtime disrupting critical processes.
- Shortened lifespan of expensive electronics and control systems.
- Increased maintenance costs from frequent replacements or repairs.
- Safety risks if monitoring and control systems malfunction at the wrong time.
For industries where uptime and safety are non-negotiable, preventing these outcomes starts with maintaining optimal air quality.
The Solution: Keep Bad Air Out, Good Air In
PureAir provides equipment designed to protect control and MCC rooms from harmful air contaminants. Two common solutions—the Packaged Filter Unit (PFU) and Industrial Vertical Bed System (I-VBS)—work by pressurizing and filtering the air, creating a clean-air barrier that keeps corrosive gases and humidity out while supplying fresh, filtered air inside.
Packaged Filter Unit (PFU)
The PFU is a compact, vertical airflow system for continuous high-efficiency air purification. Commonly used in control rooms, museums, libraries, and archives, PFUs remove over 99% of harmful gases, protecting sensitive electronics and valuable assets. Portable models allow flexible deployment in tight or temporary spaces.
Industrial Vertical Bed System (I-VBS)
The I-VBS handles larger, more contaminated air streams with deep-bed vertical airflow. Frequently found in industrial facilities like pulp and paper mills, it removes odorous and corrosive gases while safeguarding critical equipment and maintaining reliable operations.
The Result
When PureAir equipment is utilized, critical rooms stay protected and operations run without interruption. Results include:
- Reduced risk of corrosion
- Longer equipment life
- Greater operational reliability
- Peace of mind knowing that the air around your critical assets is safe
If contaminated air continues to infiltrate, the room may need to be properly sealed to maintain positive pressure and optimal performance. Contact PureAir to learn how our room-sealing services can enhance your system and ensure long-term air quality protection.
