RHELP (Regenerative High Efficiency Low Pressure) Air Purification System

Abstract

This project aims to develop a RHELP (Regenerative-High Efficiency-Low Pressure) air purification system using a novel ceramic nanofiber on silicon carbide in a microwave oxidizer that can effectively decontaminate air containing aerosolized chemical and biological (CB) agents. Nanofibermats of several materials were designed and fabricated using electrospinning process. Physical filtration testing showed performance (filter quality) exceeding military HEPA requirement. Multiple layers were found to have better filter quality than single layer of the same thickness. Biological agent testing showed effectiveness of microwave irradiation to deactivate a wide range of biological agents. System performance can be further enhanced by lowering face velocity during periodic microwave irradiation to minimize heat loss. Chemical agent testing showed excellent regeneration but destruction of the agent needs further improvement.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 18, 2009
Accession Number
ADA511241

Entities

People

  • Alayna Jimenez
  • Brian Damit
  • Chang Y. Cha
  • Chang-yu Wu
  • Hyoungjun Park
  • Jan Marijnissen
  • Myung-heui Woo
  • Qi Zhang
  • Wolfgang Sigmund

Organizations

  • University of Florida

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advanced Materials
  • Biological Factors
  • Body Weight
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Materials
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Fibers
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Silicon Carbide

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.
  • Semiconductor Device Technology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology