Wearing masks and maintaining social distance during the new Coronavirus pandemic is definitely a top priority, but an experimental new air filter can help limit the spread of new Coronavirus. It is said that the device can kill the virus that causes disease by heating. The filter prototype was designed by scientists from the University of Houston, Houston-based Medistar and the University of Texas Galveston Medical Division.
This filter incorporates commercially available nickel foam, which is electrically conductive and flexible, and is sufficiently porous to allow air to flow through. In order to increase the electrical resistivity of the foam and thereby increase the amount of heat generated when the current passes, the material is folded into multiple compartments and connected by wires.
Therefore, when a current is applied, the foam reaches a temperature of about 200 ºC (392 ºF) - this temperature is sufficient to instantly kill the new SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. In fact, in laboratory tests, it was reported that the filter can eradicate 99.8% of aerosols and such viruses passing through it. More importantly, under the same conditions, it can also kill 99.9% of anthrax spores. It is reported that the foam is effectively heated from the inside, rather than requiring a less direct external heater. According to reports, it does meet the requirements of traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The scientists plan to initially promote the device in high-priority locations such as hospitals, schools, and public transportation vehicles. Medistar may launch a desktop product in the future, which can be used in the user's surrounding environment.
If you are interested, you can go to Materials Today Physics magazine to view papers about the technology.
This filter incorporates commercially available nickel foam, which is electrically conductive and flexible, and is sufficiently porous to allow air to flow through. In order to increase the electrical resistivity of the foam and thereby increase the amount of heat generated when the current passes, the material is folded into multiple compartments and connected by wires.
Therefore, when a current is applied, the foam reaches a temperature of about 200 ºC (392 ºF) - this temperature is sufficient to instantly kill the new SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. In fact, in laboratory tests, it was reported that the filter can eradicate 99.8% of aerosols and such viruses passing through it. More importantly, under the same conditions, it can also kill 99.9% of anthrax spores. It is reported that the foam is effectively heated from the inside, rather than requiring a less direct external heater. According to reports, it does meet the requirements of traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The scientists plan to initially promote the device in high-priority locations such as hospitals, schools, and public transportation vehicles. Medistar may launch a desktop product in the future, which can be used in the user's surrounding environment.
If you are interested, you can go to Materials Today Physics magazine to view papers about the technology.
