Grantee Research Project Results
Indoor Air Biocontaminant Control by Means of Combined Electrically Enhanced Filtration and OAUGDP Plasma Sterilization
EPA Contract Number: 68D98118Title: Indoor Air Biocontaminant Control by Means of Combined Electrically Enhanced Filtration and OAUGDP Plasma Sterilization
Investigators: Helfritch, Dennis J.
Current Investigators: Kelly-Wintenberg, Kimberly
Small Business: Environmental Elements Corporation
Current Small Business: Atmospheric Glow Technologies
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $69,443
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Description:
The filtration of bacteria and viruses from indoor air is hindered by two characteristics of the organisms extremely small size and the ability to propagate. The typical diameter of bacteria is a few micrometers, but viruses can be 1/100 this diameter. It is well known that the effective filtration of particles less than one micrometer is difficult. It also is known that the organisms that are captured by the filter can propagate on the filter surface, necessitating frequent filter changes.The use of electric fields and electric discharges can address both of these challenges. The improvement of filter capture efficiency through the application of electrostatic fields is well established. Polarization effects brought about by an electric field produces an attractive force between particles and filter fibers resulting in significantly enhanced filter efficiency, especially for small particles.
The sterilization of surfaces through exposure to low temperature gas discharges has been demonstrated to be very effective. The purpose of this SBIR project is to apply the combination of electrostatic filter enhancement and plasma filter sterilization to a conventional air filter. The resulting device would effectively capture even the smallest organisms and would destroy the organisms thus captured.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, indoor air, engineering, chemistry, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, particulate matter, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Microbiology, Biochemistry, indoor air, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, biofilter , electrostatic removal, ambient air quality, electrically enhanced filtration, biocontaminant control, particulates, aerosol particles, ambient air, filtration, bacteria filtration, filtration technology, biofilter, indoor air chemistry, air pollution, plasma sterilization, plasma filter, particulate exposure, biocontaminants, OAUGDP, indoor air quality, biofiltration systems, air quality, ambient pollution control, ambient submicron particlesProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Indoor Air Biocontaminant Control by Means of Combined Electrically Enhanced Filtration and OAUGDP Plasma Sterilization | 1998 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.