Abstract:
An apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system includes a sources separately containing a first fluid and a second fluid, a pressurizing system for separately pressurizing the first and second fluids, a distribution subsystem for separately conveying the first and second fluids to a plurality of injectors that convert the first and second fluids into a foam-like substance before injecting the foam-like substance into the air distribution system. The apparatus includes a control system for controlling the pressure and flow rate of the first and second fluids, and a system for removing the foam-like substance from the air distribution system after the foam-like substance has cleaned and decontaminated the air distribution system. A method for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,199, filed Jan. 2, 2009 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,617,829, issued Nov. 17, 2009; which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/965,396, filed Oct. 15, 2004 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,037, issued Sep. 15, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is related to cleaning equipment and, more specifically without limitation, to cleaning and decontaminating equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     More and more people are becoming aware that allergies and various respiratory ailments are exacerbated by various air-entrained particulate substances. It is being increasingly recognized that a common source for such particulate substances is settlement, decaying insects, mold, and other debris and pollutants that accumulate over time in air distribution systems, such as ductwork and the like. Various equipment, somewhat like air vacuuming cleaners, have been developed with long flexible hoses that can be extended into ductwork in an attempt to suction such debris from ductwork. 
     Thorough cleaning and sanitization of an air distribution system on a timely basis would help to prevent and largely eliminate air borne mold and other particulate matter from being recirculated in a building interior from the air distribution system. Loose debris that is spaced in relatively close proximity to the suctioning end of such air vacuuming cleaners may be effectively removed as the hose is extended along the ductwork. However, loose debris that is not spaced in relatively close proximity to the suctioning end of such air vacuuming cleaners may remain in the ductwork to continue contaminating air that flows through the ductwork. 
     More specifically, although air vacuuming cleaners used for air distribution systems may reach much of the area within the ducts of an air distribution system, the effectiveness thereof is limited by the common existence of abrupt turns in the ducts, changes in duct size to accommodate balanced air flow requirements, changes in duct profile such as from a rectangularly shaped configuration to a cylindrically shaped configuration, and changes from a rigid duct to a flexible duct, etc. Because of such obstructions and variations, dust and mold particles accumulate and remain within the duct system ready to be continually entrained and dispersed by the air flowing through the air distribution system when heating or air-conditioning units utilizing the air distribution system are operating. 
     In addition, such air vacuuming cleaners may be largely ineffective for removing contaminants and for sterilizing contaminating substances adhering to the walls of the air distribution system, such as toxic chemical or biological substances, for example. 
     Also, it is well-known that after a fire, such as in a home or in a place of business having a forced-air heating and ventilating system, it is difficult if not impossible to remove the soot and pungent smell of smoke that continues to permeate the building interior, much of which emanates from heat ducts of the air distribution system. The aforementioned air vacuuming cleaners are largely ineffective for removing such post-fire soot and sources of obtrusive odors. 
     Also, various offensive odors may be generated while an airliner is in flight wherein such odors are circulated through the passageways of an air distribution system of the airliner. Many times, the removal of such odors may be quite difficult and/or time-consuming. As a result, either the airliner may need to be grounded until the odors can be adequately removed, or the passengers of the continuing flights of that aircraft may have no choice but to endure those odors for the duration of their flight. Similar considerations apply to other public transportation vehicles, such as buses, cruise ships, and subways, for example. 
     Of much greater concern is contamination in an air distribution system arising from biological terrorism, such as anthrax contamination, or the like. Even if air vacuuming cleaners could remove all of such contamination, which is extremely doubtful, the ability to reliably filter absolutely all of such contamination from air exhausted by such air vacuuming cleaners is highly questionable. Because of the extreme danger posed by further release of such contaminants, the high risk of using air vacuuming cleaners under such circumstances must be avoided. 
     What is needed is an apparatus for cleaning an air distribution system that not only completely and thoroughly cleans but also sanitizes and decontaminates the air distribution system without posing a threat of re-contaminating the surrounding environment with contaminants and pollutants removed from the air distribution system. 
     PRINCIPAL OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     The principal objects and advantages of the present invention include: providing a system and method for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system; providing such a system and method that includes a cleaning agent and an entraining agent; providing such a system and method that utilizes a foam-like substance for cleaning an air distribution system; providing such a system and method that is readily adaptable to a variety of different air distribution systems; and generally providing such a system and method that is reliable in performance, capable of long lasting life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed usages thereof. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The improvements of the apparatus of the present invention for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system include source means separately containing a first fluid and a second fluid, pressurizing means structured to separately pressurize the first and second fluids of the source means, injection means including at least one injector connected to the air distribution system, a first distribution subsystem structured to convey the first fluid from the source means to the at least one injector, a second distribution subsystem structured to convey the second fluid from the source means to the at least one injector, control means structured to control the pressure and flow rate at which the first and second fluids are conveyed by the first and second distribution subsystems to the at least one injector, and cleanup means which includes a filtered wet-vacuuming system is structured to remove at least the first fluid from the air distribution system. Each at least one injector is structured to receive and covert the first and second fluids into a foam-like substance and to inject the foam-like substance into the air distribution system and each at least one injector includes foaming means. The present invention is applicable to air distribution systems of both build structures and non-building structures. A preferred first fluid of the present invention is hydrogen peroxide. 
     The present invention discloses a method for cleaning, sanitizing and decontaminating an air distribution system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a first source of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a second source of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of pressurizing means, source means, distribution means, and injection means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged schematic representation of an injector of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of first and second blocking elements of blocking means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of an air return cap of the blocking means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic representation of a register cap of the blocking means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of control means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of cleanup means of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic representation of a vacuum tubing network of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic representation of an inlet of the vacuum tubing network of the apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As required, embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     The present invention is easily adaptable for installation and use in various types of building structures such as commercial buildings, residential dwellings and housing, hospitals, and high rise apartments for example, and for installation and use in various types of non-building structures such as airplanes, cruise ships, trains, subways, and cars for example, or for any other structure or mode of transportation that has an air distribution system. The self-cleaning and sanitizing characteristics of the present invention are structured to clean and decontaminate air distribution systems by using a foam-like substance that absorbs and entraps dirt, mold, and other debris and pollutants that accumulate and reside in such air distribution systems. Application of the present invention is safe and cost effective, and prevents air borne particles such as mold spores, dust, allergens, pet dander, fungi and other contaminates and pollutants, that accumulate and reside in air distribution systems, from being re-circulated back into the ambient atmosphere that is accessible to breathing individuals occupying the structure utilizing the air distribution system, thus greatly improving air quality and safety within such structures. 
     By use of the cleaning and decontaminating system of the present invention, a foam-like substance containing a cleaning substance that engulfs and absorbs the undesirable particles and pollutants is injected into the air distribution system. The foam-like substance, which is injected into the air distribution system until the air distribution system is completely filled so the foam-like substance will contact all interior surfaces of the air distribution system, that may contact air flowing through the air distribution system, in order to destroy or remove any contaminants or pollutants that may be adhered to those interior surfaces. The foam-like substance with the particles and pollutants entrapped therein is then wet-vacuumed out of the air distribution system. If desired, a mist spray may then be injected into the air distribution system to further sanitize the air distribution system, whereupon the air distribution system may be wet-vacuumed again as an extra precaution, if needed, followed by drying with air circulated through the air distribution system by an air handler of the air distribution system. 
     The reference numeral  10  generally refers to an apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system in accordance with the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 12 . The cleaning and decontaminating apparatus  10  of the present invention includes source means  13 , pressurizing means  15 , injection means  17 , distribution system  19 , barrier means  21 , control means  23 , and cleanup means  25 . 
     As schematically shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 , the source means  13  generally includes a first source  27  having a first body  29 , a removable first lid  31 , and a first port  33 , wherein the first lid  31  is structured to form a fluid-tight seal with the first body  29  thereby defining a first reservoir  35  in the first source  27 . In use, the first reservoir  35  generally contains a first fluid  37 , sometimes referred to herein as a cleaning agent. It is to be understood that “cleaning agent” may include sanitizing agents, decontaminating agents, sterilants, detergents, and the like, including any and all suitable combinations thereof. 
     As schematically shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 , the source means  13  also generally includes a second source  47  having a second body  49 , a removable second lid  51 , and a second port  53 , wherein the second lid  51  is structured to form a fluid-tight seal with the second body  49  thereby defining a second reservoir  55  in the second source  47 . In use, the second reservoir  55  generally contains a second fluid  57 , such as an entraining agent. 
     The pressurizing means  15  may include a first compressor  61  and a second compressor  63 , as schematically shown in  FIG. 4 . A first, preferably flexible, conduit  65  connects the first compressor  61  in flow communication with first port  33  of the first source  27 . The first compressor  61  is structured to operatively maintain the first fluid  37  in the first reservoir  35  at a selected first pressure within a range of desired pressures, such as a selected first pressure of approximately eight pounds per square inch. 
     Similarly, a second, preferably flexible, conduit  67  connects the second compressor  63  in flow communication with second port  53  of the second source  47 . The second compressor  63  is structured to operatively maintain the second fluid  57  in the second reservoir  55  at a selected second pressure within a range of desired pressures, such as a selected second pressure of approximately sixteen pounds per square inch. Alternatively, the first and second compressors  61 ,  63  may be replaced by a single compressor with a pressure regulator arrangement as appropriate to separately provide desired pressurization to the first and second fluids  37 ,  57  in their respective first and second reservoirs  35 ,  55 . Since such pressure regulator arrangements are known to those skilled in the pertinent art, an appropriate pressure regulator arrangement will not be described herein in detail. 
     The cleaning and decontaminating apparatus  10  of the present invention is applicable to an air distribution system  71 , such as a heating/ventilating duct, an air passageway in an airliner or cruise ship, or the like. Although most air distribution systems  71  have both an air source branch  73  and an air return branch  75 , the following disclosure primarily describes the present invention in regard to the air source branch  73  of air distribution systems  71 . It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is equally applicable, perhaps with minor modifications, to the air return branches  75  of air distribution systems  71  for those structures and vehicles that have an air return branch  75 . Further, the following disclosure primarily describes the present invention in regard to the air distribution system  71  of a building structure, it being understood that the present invention is equally applicable, again perhaps with minor modifications, to the air distribution system  71  of non-building structures. 
     The injection means  17  includes at least one injector  77  secured to the air distribution system  71 , such as a heating/ventilating duct, an air passageway in an airliner or cruise ship, or the like. For most installations of the present invention, however, the injection means  17  includes a plurality of the injectors  77 , as hereinafter described. As schematically shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5 , each injector  77  has a mixing chamber  79  with a distal end  81  that opens into the air distribution system  71 . Each injector  77  also has a first orifice device  83  and a second orifice device  85 , wherein each device  83 ,  85  opens into a proximal end  87  of the mixing chamber  79 . 
     The mixing chamber  79  of each injector  77  may include a foaming means  91  comprising, for example, shredded material such as steel wool, beads such as glass beads, including combinations thereof or any other suitable foam-generating media that creates a turbulent environment for combining fluids entering the mixing chamber  79  through the first and second orifice devices  83 ,  85 , wherein the foaming means causes those fluids to be thoroughly intermixed and converted to a substance having a foam-like consistency. 
     The distribution means  19  includes a first distribution subsystem  101  having a first input end  103  that connects the first reservoir  35  of the first source  27  in flow communication with the first orifice device  83  of each injector  77 . The distribution means  19  also includes a second distribution subsystem  111  having a second input end  113  that connects the second reservoir  55  of the second source  47  in flow communication with the second orifice device  85  of each injector  77 . The first orifice device  83  is structured and dimensioned to maintain the pressure of the first fluid  37  in the first distribution subsystem  101  at a first desired pressure as the first fluid  37  enters each mixing chamber  79 . Similarly, the second orifice device  55  is structured and dimensioned to maintain the pressure of the second fluid  57  in the second distribution subsystem  111  at a desired second pressure as the second fluid  57  enters each mixing chamber  79 . 
     For some installations of the present invention utilizing a plurality of the injectors  77 , the spacing between adjacent ones of the injectors  77  along the air distribution system  71  may be approximately ten feet. However, the spacing between adjacent injectors  77  is determined by the relative internal volume of the air distribution system  71  being served by each of the plurality of injectors  77 . Preferably, a majority of the injectors  77  are spaced such that an approximately equal internal volume of the air distribution system  71  is allotted to each of those injectors  77 . For portions of the internal volume of the air distribution system  71  that cannot be approximately equally allotted, the internal volume of the air distribution system  71  allotted to each of the remaining injectors  77  of the plurality of injectors  77  is preferably smaller than that allotted to each of the equal-internal volume-spaced majority of the injectors  77  to ensure that all allotted internal volumes of the air distribution system  71  are completely filled with the foam-like substance as herein described when the internal volumes allotted to the equal-internal volume-spaced majority of the plurality of injectors  77  are filled. 
     It is to be understood that for structures with an air distribution system  71  having both an air source branch  73  and an air return branch  75 , the present invention may include one installation for the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71  and another, separate installation for the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71 . Alternately, the present invention may include a single installation designed to clean both branches  73 ,  75  simultaneously. In that event, a different spacing between the equal-internal volume-spacing of the majority of the injectors  77  along the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71  may be different from the equal-internal volume-spacing of the majority of the injectors  77  along the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71  to ensure that all allotted internal volumes of the air distribution system  71  are completely filled with the foam-like substance as herein described when the internal volumes allotted to the equal-internal volume-spaced majority of the plurality of injectors  77  along both the air source and air return branches  73 ,  75  are filled. 
     Generally, the plurality of injectors  77  as well as the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  connected to the first and second orifice devices  83 ,  85  are permanently installed along the air distribution system  71  with the first and second input ends  103 ,  113  of the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  located at a convenient location, such as in a furnace room near an air handler unit  121  of the structure having the air distribution system  71 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG. 6 , the barrier means  21  of the present invention includes a first blocking element  131  and a second blocking element  133  constructed of rigid material, such as styrofoam or other suitable material. The first blocking element  131 , which has a cleanup port  135 , is dimensioned to slidably fit within and block a cold air return duct  137  that connects to the input of the air handler unit  121  of the air distribution system  71 . The second blocking element  133  is dimensioned to slidably fit within and block a source duct  139  that connects to the output of the air handler unit  121  of the air distribution system  71 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the barrier means  21  also includes a plurality of register caps  141  dimensioned and structured to be secured to and block each of the registers  143  of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , and a plurality of air return caps  145  dimensioned and structured to be secured to and block each of the cold air return vents  147  of the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71 . 
     The control means  23  includes a first pressure control mechanism  151  that can be used to operatively adjust the pressure being provided to the first reservoir  35  by the pressurizing means  15 , a first pressure gauge  153  appropriately connected to monitor the first pressure in the first reservoir  35 , and a first control valve  155  that can be used to operatively control the flow of the first fluid  37  from the first reservoir  35  into the first distribution subsystem  101 , as schematically shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The control means  23  also includes a second pressure control mechanism  161  that can be used to operatively adjust the pressure being provided to the second reservoir  55  by the pressurizing means  15 , a second pressure gauge  163  appropriately connected to monitor the second pressure in the second reservoir  55 , and a second control valve  165  that can be used to operatively control the flow of the second fluid  57  from the second reservoir  55  into the second distribution subsystem  111 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG. 10 , the cleanup means  25  generally includes a filtered wet-vacuuming system  167 , which may include a wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  having a tank  171 , wherein the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is powered by a power supply  173 , such as an electrical circuit or receptacle of the structure having the air distribution system  71 . The wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  may have an automatic tank-emptying system  175 , wherein the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  periodically shuts off for a few minutes while it flushes the contents of the tank  171  through a drain line  177  connected to a plumbing drain or, alternatively as indicated by a dashed line in  FIG. 10 , to a contamination container  179  for further disposal. The cleanup means  25  also includes a drain hose  181  structured to releasably connect an input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  to the cleanup port  135  of the first blocking element  131 . 
     For some applications of the present invention, the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  may include a permanently installed vacuum tubing network  183  having an inlet  185  at each of the registers  143  of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , as schematically shown in  FIG. 11 . If desired, the present invention may include a depression in the duct around each of the inlets  185  to assist in funneling the foam-like substance into the network  183 . The network  183  includes an outlet end  187  releasably connected to the input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 . For such installations, the source means  13 , the pressurizing means  15 , the control means  23 , and the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  may be portable so they can be easily moved from one such installation to another such installation to thereby provide periodic cleaning and decontaminating services at different installations with the same portable equipment. 
     For installations not having a permanently installed network  183 , the portable version of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  includes a main hose  189  having a connecting end  191  structured to form a fluid-tight seal with the input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 , and a suctioning end  193  structured to suction the foam-like substance from the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , wherein the length of the main hose  189  is sufficient to reach all of the interior volume of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71  from the locations of the registers  143  of the air source branch  73 . 
     In an application of the present invention, initial preparation includes removing the fan of the air handler unit  121  and cleaning and decontaminating the fan and the inside surfaces of the air handler unit  121 . The fan is then re-installed in the air handler unit  121 . To prevent foam-like substance from entering the air handler unit  121  during the cleaning process of the present invention, the first blocking element  131  is installed in the input or cold air return plenum  137  of the air handler unit  121 , and the second blocking element  133  is installed in the output or source plenum  139  of the air handler unit  121 . The drain hose  181  is used to connect the cleanup port  135  on the first blocking element  131  in flow communication with the input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 . All filters in the air distribution system  71  are removed, and caps  145 ,  147  are installed on all registers  143  and cold air returns  147 . 
     Next, the first control valve  155  is closed, the first fluid  37 , such as 11% hydrogen peroxide, is placed in first reservoir  35 , and the first lid  31  is secured to the first body  29  to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The first conduit  65  is used to connect the first port  33  in flow communication with the pressurizing means  15 . 
     Similarly, the second control valve  165  is closed, the second fluid  57 , which in some applications may simply be atmospheric air, in the second reservoir  55 , and the second lid  51  is secured to the second body  49  to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The second conduit  67  is used to connect the second port  53  in flow communication with the pressurizing means  15 . 
     Then, the pressurizing means  15  is activated to pressurize the first fluid  37  in the first reservoir  35  to a desired first pressure as indicated by the first pressure gauge  153  of the control means  23 , and to pressurize the second fluid  57  in the second reservoir  55  to a desired second pressure as indicated by the second pressure gauge  163  of the control means  23 . The pressure in the first source  27  may be adjusted as needed by manipulating the first pressure control mechanism  151  of the control means  23 , and the pressure in the second source  47  may be adjusted as needed by manipulating the second pressure control mechanism  161  of the control means  23 . 
     To begin the cleaning process, the first control valve  155  and the second control valve  165  are opened causing the first and second fluids  37 ,  57  to be separately distributed by the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  to each of the injectors  77 . As the first and second fluids  37 ,  57  flow through the mixing chambers  79  of the injectors  77 , turbulence generated therein by the foaming means  91  causes the first and second fluids  37 ,  57  to be intermixed and converted to a foam-like substance, which expands into the air distribution system  71  through the distal ends  81  of the injectors  77 . Cap  141  of the register  143  farthest from the air handler unit  121  in terms distance along the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , sometimes referred to herein as the end register  195 , is removed until the foam-like substance, injected into the air distribution system  71  by the injectors  77 , becomes visible in the ductwork at the end register  195 . The cap  141  is then replaced on the end register  195  and the foam injection process is continued for a predetermined period of time, such as ten more minutes for example, sometimes referred to herein as the cleaning time period to ensure that the entire interior volume of the air distribution system  71  is completely filled with the foam-like substance and to allow sufficient time for the foam-like substance to absorb and entrap the debris residing in the air distribution system  71  including sufficient time for the foam-like substance to decontaminate mold and other pollutants adhering to the walls of the air distribution system  71 . The actual length of the cleaning time period depends on cross-sectional area, volume, and lengths of the ducts of the air distribution system  71  being cleaned. 
     After the cleaning time period has expired, the first and second control valves  155 ,  165  are closed. If the second fluid  57  is atmospheric air or another inert gaseous fluid, the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  may be disconnected from the first and second sources  27 ,  47  and the first distribution subsystem  101  reconnected to the second reservoir  55 . The second control valve  165  is then opened for an additional period of time, five minutes for example, sometimes referred to herein as the expelling time period, in order to expel any first fluid  37  remaining in the first distribution subsystem  101  and any first fluid  37  and foam-like substance remaining in the mixing chambers  79  of the injectors  77 . 
     If the second fluid  57  is not atmospheric air or another inert gaseous fluid, the present invention may include a bypass valving arrangement (not shown) interposed in the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  adjacently to the first and second sources  27 ,  47  wherein the pressurizing means  15  can be used to expel any remaining first fluid  37 , second fluid  57 , and foam-like substance from the first and second distribution subsystems  101 ,  111  and from the mixing chambers  79  of the injectors  77 . 
     Next, the cleanup means  25  is used to remove the soiled foam-like substance from the air distribution system  71 . The second blocking element  133  is removed from the source air duct  139 . If the installation includes the vacuum tubing network  183 , the outlet end  187  of the vacuum tubing network  183  is connected to the input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 . The wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is activated to begin removing the soiled foam-like substance from the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71  through the inlets  185 . The air handler unit  121  may be activated to move air through the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71  to assist with moving the soiled foam-like substance along the air source branch  73  to the inlets  185 . 
     While the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is operating, it may be desirable to vent the exhaust of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  through a vent  199  to the exterior of the structure having the air distribution system  71  being cleaned. If, however, the substances being removed from the air distribution system  71  are highly noxious, it may be desirable to filter the exhaust in a manner that reliably removes all noxious material from the exhaust in order to prevent any of the noxious material from being re-circulated into the atmosphere. Under such circumstances, however, it should be obvious that the quantity of residual noxious substances contained in the exhaust of the wet-vacuuming process of the present invention would be several orders of magnitude lower than the quantity of the noxious substances that would be contained in the exhaust of an air dry-vacuuming process. The wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is allowed to continue operating for a period of time until all of the soiled foam-like substance has been removed from the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , generally approximately ten minutes but, again, depending on the size and extent of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 . 
     If the installation does not include the vacuum tubing network  183 , a portable version of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  may be carried to each of the registers  143  of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 . At each register  143  of the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 , the cap  141  is removed, the connecting end  191  of the main hose  189  is connected to the input of the portable wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 , the suctioning end  193  of the main hose  189  is extended into the air distribution system  71 , and the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is activated until all of the soiled foam-like substance that can be reached from the location of that register  143  has been suctioned into the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 . Cleanup of the air source branch  73  is continued at the location of each register  143  until all soiled foam-like substance has been removed from the air source branch  73  of the air distribution system  71 . 
     Next, with the first blocking element  131  still in place in the cold air plenum  137  of the air handler unit  121 , the drain hose  181  is used to connect the cleanup port  135  in flow communication with the input of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169 . The caps  145  are removed from the cold air returns  147  of the cold air branch  75  of the air distribution system  71 . The wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is then activated to remove the soiled foam-like substance from the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71 . Again, the air handler unit  121  may be activated to move air through the air source branch and back through the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71  to assist with moving the soiled foam-like substance along the air return branch  75  to the cleanup port  135  of the first blocking element  131 . Activation of the wet-vacuuming cleaner  169  is continued until all of the soiled foam-like substance has been removed from the air return branch  75  of the air distribution system  71 . 
     Finally, the first blocking element  131  is removed from the cold air plenum  137  of the air handler unit  121 . The air handler unit  121  is then activated and allowed to run for a period of time, usually approximately ten minutes but, again, depending on the size and extent of the air distribution system, in order to dry any remaining moist interior surfaces of the air distribution system  71 . All filters are then re-installed in the air distribution system  71 . 
     It is to be understood that the present invention may be installed on existing structures, such as during remodeling, as well as on new construction. 
     Applications of the present invention to air distribution systems of airplanes, cruise ships, automotive vehicles, etc., is similar to that hereinbefore described, with minor variations as needed to adapt to any particular structure or vehicle. 
     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.