To begin, I'm a commercial electrician with the IBEW based out of Nebraska, not an engineer. I was a frontline healthcare worker between 2005 and 2013. My formal university training is in computer science.
With the known N95 respirator shortages, and increased manufacturing capability at the very least 6 mos away; and with some hospitals resorting to using much older technology (ie. fabric face masks), I have started research into using portable battery-powered technology to reduce reliance on disposable physical filter media to protect frontline healthcare workers from contracting SARS-CoV 2 and other more common respiratory ailments as this pandemic accelerates. What I'm looking at is a small electrostatic precipitator, with downstream UV-c irradiation to limit ozone concentration in the downstream air. I'm reaching out to any in the engineering community who might want to advise or assist in developing a device that could be manufactured with relatively off-the-shelf components in a short time period. I have access to basic tools, and also some rapid prototyping equipment via a nearby technology library. I also have contacts within the University of Nebraska Medical Center, including the manager of a BSL-2 lab on campus. I've passed the idea to a member of our local Decon team, and he has expressed interest. The concept is to make a device that is relatively low cost (~100-150/unit) that relies on rechargeable 18/20v power tool batteries, and that can run for at least 4 hours between charges. Also, the mask for this device needs to be made out of comfortable material capable of being sterilized by a variety of current methods - medical grade silicone comes to mind.
Here's what I know so far, and my sources:
SARS-CoV 2 is roughly 120nm in diameter ( https://www.pptaglobal.org/media-and-information/ppta-statements/1055-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-and-plasma-protein-therapies )
SARS-CoV 2 maintains infectious viability for around 4 hours on copper ( https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973 )
Electrostatic precipitators can effectively remove particulate matter of 50nm when designed to do so, at airflow rates between 0.5 and 2m/s ( [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/electrostatic-precipitator](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engine
... keep reading on reddit ➡I currently own the Friedrich C-90A and have loved it for years.
It's not just love of some "brand" going on here (which I never heard of before this), it is love of a lifetime product that was top of the charts in Consumer Reports for YEARS plus my personal experience.
That's years of 24/7 purified air with ZERO filters needing to be replaced. Just wash the metal collector panels in the dishwasher (like most brands recommend).
If anyone is getting an air filter, this type is the way to go: ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR
Wiki article about Electrostatic Precipitators
Google Shopping for various brands
Now I'm in a bit of a bind.. it IS the best, but they don't carry it anywhere anymore so I need an alternative to get my brother!
I don't have access to Consumer Reports which I first used to find this:
Consumer Reports mention by the company (it was top for years)
Honeywell makes some amazing full-house products but I wanted another simple and portable unit like my Friedrich.
SO the question is:
Now that the Friedrich C-90A and C-90B are gone, what's the new top quality BIFL Electrostatic Precipitator Air Cleaner?
