Researchers have invented a prototype new form of high-performance air purifier that promises zero harmful waste and is 99.999% efficient in removing common bacteria and viruses::New purifier and filtering foam invented by University of Bath engineers is ready for commercialisation, seeking partners
The magic bit:
The home air purifier design, currently in the prototype stage, features two cylindrical columns of the FOAM3R material. During operation, one column is used to purify the air, while the other ‘regenerates’ for reuse through heating, restoring the foam’s sorbent properties.
The process also removes collected pollutants and dead microbial debris captured in the air through heating, and recovers volatile components through cooling and condensation, which are collected as a liquid that is safe to pour away.
FOAM3R is created in a simple one-step manufacturing process and can be shaped into a variety of form factors. It can also be retro-fitted into existing technology and is more energy efficient than comparable carbon-granule based air purification systems.
Seems like an interesting filter process. Cheap to produce but a bit more expensive to operate than traditional air purification. Wonder if we’ll see heaters with this tech.
“seeking partners” = It will never reach market.
You could be right, because of this bit:
FOAM3R filter technology, patented by the University
HEPA is patent-free so can be extremely cheap.
On the other hand, the fact that it can filter out VOCs without needing a separate carbon filter is good and if it reduces maintenance some companies could find them worthwhile.
You know if you get a 20x20" air filter, the cardboard frame type that are inserted into AC units, and you tape it to a square room fan, it will work far far better than any available air purifier. After tons of research into which purifiers work best to combat asthma, I ended up with room fans and 20x20 AC filters. The filters have different ratings, if they filter too well then air won’t pass through, so you want the next best rating.
This is very good advice. I’ve made a couple - far from beautiful or quiet, but very effective and very cheap.
This is a good page from an early DIY promoter: How to Make a DIY Air Purifier
We live in a small (12ftx28ft) house where we heat with a wood stove and have pets so our dust factor is pretty high.
I use 10x10 merv13 filters and a modified bathroom exhaust fan that sits in my rafters. It completely changed our air quality. I change the filters when they get gunked up every 10-14 days which may be a bit expensive at ~8 bucks each filter, but it is worth it for the clear nose and sinuses!
FOAM3R can be used to produce multi-functional foam structures for a wide range of applications, including aircraft cabins, in-car air filters …
Auto shops hate this one simple trick
Tried to submit this weekend, but it wasn’t techy enough so said the mod.
to be powered by the megawatt hour battery that charges in 30 seconds.
