Chamber-to-Field Development and Validation of Integrated Filtration–Adsorption Air Cleaners for Particle and VOC Control in Shipboard Cabins

Abstract

Shipboard cabins can contain both oil mist-dominated particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating a need for compact air-cleaning systems capable of simultaneous particle and gas-phase removal. This study developed an integrated filtration–adsorption air cleaner through a performance-oriented route combining a low-resistance gradient filter with an activated-carbon packed bed. The gradient filter maintained PM2.5 single-pass removal efficiencies above 99.99% across airflow rates of 150–650 m3/h and under inlet concentrations up to approximately 11 mg/m3, while maintaining relatively low airflow resistance. Three activated carbons were also systematically compared based on particle morphology, packed-bed characteristics, pore structure, and dynamic adsorption performance. JZT-07 showed the most favorable overall characteristics and achieved breakthrough capacities of 132, 167, and 159 mg/g for benzene, toluene, and n-heptane, respectively. The selected filtration and adsorption modules were integrated into accommodation- and machinery-cabin air cleaners and evaluated under standard-chamber and shipboard conditions. During treated voyages, average PM10 and TVOC concentrations decreased by 75.3% and 66.4% in the accommodation cabin and by 65.8% and 69.6% in the machinery cabin, respectively. These results demonstrate a practical development route from component optimization to device integration and field validation for simultaneous particulate and VOC control in confined ship environments.