Coronavirus Technology Solutions
November 16, 2020

Masks Effective in Reducing Intake Risk

Mink and Mink Farm Employees in Greece have COVID

Filtech 2021 February 23-25, 2021 in Cologne

Plenary Lectures at Filtech will be Relevant

A Number of Speeches will be COVID Related

Many of the 349 Exhibitors have COVID Related Products

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Masks Effective in Reducing Intake Risk

Researchers in Japan say they have confirmed that face masks are effective in both retarding the spread of viruses and reducing the intake of them. They used actual coronaviruses and mannequins to reach that conclusion.

The finding was made by a group led by Professor Kawaoka Yoshihiro and Project Assistant Professor Ueki Hiroshi at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Medical Science.

In their experiments, they placed two mannequins face-to-face in a laboratory. One was designed to discharge airborne droplets containing the coronaviruses. The other had a mechanism enabling it to take in air, imitating human breathing.

In one experiment, the researchers put a mask on the inhaling mannequin. They say the amount of viruses it absorbed was cut by 17 percent with a cloth mask and by 47 percent with an ordinary surgical mask. When they put an N95 medical mask on the mannequin so it fitted snugly, the amount declined by 79 percent.

When a mask was put on the virus-spreading mannequin, both cloth and surgical masks reduced the other, non-mask-wearing mannequin's intake of viruses by more than 70 percent.

The researchers also report that putting masks on both mannequins could not completely prevent the transmission of viruses.

Professor Kawaoka said there previously had been no research demonstrating masks' effectiveness using real viruses. The professor also said they confirmed it is important that masks are worn properly.

He added it is important to be aware that masks cannot block viruses completely.


Mink and Mink Farm Employees in Greece have COVID

Mink at two farms in northern Greece have been found to have the coronavirus, according to an official in the country's agriculture ministry.

The strain found in the minks is the same one found in humans, the official said, according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. The breeder at one of them also tested positive for the virus.

The 2,500 minks on one farm have since been culled, the newspaper reported the agriculture ministry official as saying, after samples from the animals there tested positive for the virus.

Testing of workers at mink farms in the Kastoria area found 10 positive cases, the newspaper said. The trade in mink fur is an important source of income for the area.


Filtech 2021 February 23-25, 2021 in Cologne

This could be an excellent conference for those involved with COVID solutions. But despite the appearance that it is going ahead, there are ominous signs. The largest art fair in the world was scheduled in Cologne for next week. It has now been canceled.

New daily coronavirus cases in Germany hit a record of 23,542 on Friday, the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases reported, prompting government spokesman Stefan Seibert to say measures “were not expected to be relaxed” by next week.

Federal and regional leaders are due to meet on Monday to discuss whether the country’s closure of all gyms and entertainment venues has slowed the disease’s spread, but the health minister, Jens Spahn, said it was too early to say.

It is unlikely that any potential visitors from the U.S. or other countries subject to German travel restrictions would have planned to visit.  But if it is not held let’s hope there is a virtual version

At the FILTECH 2021 Show the latest innovations will be on display and will provide visitors an exclusive overview and insights of the state-of the art science and technologies. Sophisticated and state of the art filtration and separation solutions play a key role in all industries to achieve cost-effective processing structures as well as reduced risks. FILTECH is a global solution provider for targeted filtration & separation tasks covering all industries. 340+ companies will present their cutting-edge products and innovations for the chemical industry, as food & beverage, life science, minerals processing, pulp & paper, waste management, water treatment, environmental engineering petrochemicals and many more.

The Conference programme features 140+ technical papers and gives a representative cross section of the different procedures and appliances of separation technology as well as across the industry about the applications, from the preparation of mineral raw materials, the chemistry, environmental technology and water purification down to the pharmacy and biotechnology.

Most ongoing problems, which play an important role in the current situation are represented in the programme. Like the research and development of highly efficient respiratory masks and air cleaning solutions as decisive tools against COVID-19, or the cleaning of water polluted with micro pollutants, antibiotic-resistant bacteria/gens and micro plastics.


Plenary Lectures at Filtech will be Relevant

Plenary Lecture Roaring twenties in air filtration - driving for a cleaner world Dr.-Ing. Martin Lehman MANN+HUMMEL GmbH / Germany

In medias research air filtration is omnipresent for delivering clean air: protecting engine and equipment known as engine filtration, enabling processes and technology known as industrial filtration, providing comfort and indoor air quality known as HVAC filtration. Adding gas adsorption, the domain of cabin air filtration shows up. However, in this talk the focus will be on particle filtration. A bit more than twenty years ago, the digital revolution in air filtration started. First realistic simulations of particle collection on single fibers. First time visualization of the 3D microstructure of a fibrous filter. CFD and FEA have become a key tool for designing air intake systems. Nowadays, we are starting to use AI-based simulation tools for designing air filter elements. In addition, in the past twenty years the design of the filter elements changed significantly. There is no longer a set of just rectangular or round filter elements. With evolving production technology, we are now thinking and designing in flexible design shapes with concave curvature, oval shape or variable pleat heights. Customers have become used to filter elements fitting just right into their complex 3D design space.

Membrane science and functional materials Prof. Dr. Liang-Yin Chu, Membrane Science and Functional Materials Group – Sichuan University

 Functional membranes are playing paramount roles for sustainable development in myriad aspects such as energy, environments, resources and human health. However, the unalterable pore size and surface property of traditional porous membranes restrict their efficient applications. The performances of traditional functional membranes will be weakened upon the unavoidable membrane fouling,


A Number of Speeches will be COVID Related

Nonwovens for hygiene and medical applications: Optical quality control can manage the increasing requirements for functional membranes, M. Klein, Dr. Schenk GmbH, Germany

Melt blown nonwoven -innovative approach in filter media production for micro-ultra-filtration, N. Batta, Dutch Fiber Netherlands, Netherlands Air filter testing using bacteriophages as virus surrogate, B. Führer, H. Elsayed, C. Hartl, M. Kaiser, G. Ettenberger,OFI Technology & Innovation Ltd, Austria; U. Häfner, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies SE & Co. KG, Germany

 Efficient filter media and membrane testing (cut-off) by number-based size distribution of nano- and microparticles (SPLS-Technology®), E. Wollik, H. Woehlecke, H. Lichtenfeld, Dr. Lerche KG; M. Hussels, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB); D. Lerche, LUM GmbH, Germany

Simulating filter quality of nanofiber filter: Effects of slip-flow and implications for filter design, Y.T. Chen, T.C. Hsiao, C.W. Lin, S.H. Huang, C.C. Chen, National Taiwan University; Y.M. Kuo, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Taiwan

Production of nanofibers for filtration applications via solution electro - spinning: Approaches of industrial scale production, T. Schneiders, T. Gries, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Removal of nanoparticles by electrostatic precipitation: evaluation of the collection efficiency behavior with the electric field and air velocity, F. A. Lima, V.G. Guerra, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil

Melt electrospinning towards industrial scale nanofiber production: Challenges, solution approaches and applications, K. König, G. Seide, Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, Netherlands

One step beyond: From the experimental investigation of discharging methods to numerical optimization potential of electret filter media, M. Kerner, S. Antonyuk, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern; K. Schmidt, IT for Engineering (it4e) GmbH; S. Schumacher, C. Asbach, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e.V. (IUTA), Germany

 Modelling of the mechanical aging behavior of PLA-based nonwovens and monofilaments under filter application-relevant conditions, R. Taubner, Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI), Germany, C. Schippers, L. Tsarkova, Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West gGmbH (DTNW); J. S. Gutmann, University Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Germany

Test methods for indoor air cleaners with alternative test aerosols and considering ultrafine particles, S. Schumacher, A. Banda Sanchez, A. Caspari, U. Schneiderwind, C. Asbach, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e.V. (IUTA), Germany

Enhanced performance for high efficiency filter media design with a sustainable competitive advantage, N.W.M. Edwards, A.P. Slater, Lenzing Fibers Grimsby Ltd., UK

 SmartMELAMINE® - the first melamine meltblown nonwoven, C. Löning, N. Zorko, SmartMELAMINE d.o.o., Slovenia

New plasma nanocoatings to boost performance of filtration media and their relevance to the fight against COVID-19, F. Legein, Europlasma NV, Belgium

Bilayer composite membranes: fabrication and optimization for improved gas permeability, S. Farrukh, F. Yousaf, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan; X. Fan, University of Edinburgh, UK

Modeling and simulation of moisture penetration and wearing time of face masks, M. Böhle, A. Schwarzwälder, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern; R. Kirsch, S. Osterroth , Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), Germany

Effect of washing on the performance of surgical masks, N. BardinMonnier, A. Charvet, O. Dufaud, D. Thomas, J.C. Appert-Collin, N. Bernard, F. Huin, M. Lebrun, Université de Lorraine; C. Dessale, F. Aantoine, CIC-IT, France A novel filter material is deactivating viruses and bacteria and binds allergenic proteins from pollen, E. Gottschall, P. Pfeuffer, K. Gottschall, KLAWEGO GmbH & Co. KG, Germany

PALAS - Quick and reliable test of community masks with regard to the new EN Guideline CWA 17553, S. Schütz, M. Schmidt, PALAS GmbH, Germany

Impact on particle penetration in filter media due to variations in the physical properties of paraffin oil, M. Hu; G. Patel, ATI - Air Techniques International, USA

How face masks help stop COVID-19, K.-J. Choi, Clean & Science Co., Ltd., USA


Many of the 349 Exhibitors have COVID Related Products

The attached exhibition list shows that many of the 349 exhibitors have media, machines, filters, or test equipment which is relevant.
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/PDF/filtech2021_exhibitor_list.pdf

MANN+HUMMEL solutions for air hygiene create almost completely virus-free air indoors. For rooms without central air conditioning, there is the stationary air purifier OurAir SQ 2500 which is suitable for rooms up to approx. 200m² and its mobile pendant, the OurAir TK 850, which filters the air in rooms up to 70m². The heart of the units is its HEPA H14 air filter, which captures more than 99.995% of viruses, bacteria and microorganisms. The compact filter, Nanoclass Cube Pro Membrane, is designed for HVAC systems working in circulation mode. The H13 filter achieves a separation rate of 99.95%. All air filters are equipped with a new ePTFE media with a 50% lower pressure drop compared to conventional HEPA air filters based on micro glass fiber. This makes the filters particularly energy efficient. The media is fire resistant tested according EN 13501 as class E and with that applicable for all HVAC application in non-residential buildings acc. EN 15423 and VDI 3403-4.

The Palas® respiratory mask filter test rig PMFT 1000 allows a reliable control of the filter performance and enhances quality assurance. The current spread of the new corona virus CoVid-19 is leading to a massive increase in demand for respiratory masks worldwide. Manufacturers of filter media and respiratory masks are increasing their production capacities to the maximum. However, reliable protection is only offered by masks that have undergone special tests during production. To support manufacturers, Palas has introduced the newly developed PMFT 1000 respiratory mask filter test rig, which enables both quality assurance in production and product improvement in the development department. A special advantage of the PMFT 1000 from Palas compared to other filter test rigs is that additionally to the penetration by mass, the exact representation of the separation per size class of the particles can be detected. Especially regarding the effectiveness of the breathing masks for the corona virus (size: approx. 120 nm - 160 nm), such an exact measurement of the particle size distribution is essential. The fractional efficiency is tested, e.g. the efficiency in the whole size range of 100 nm up to 5 μm (size range spectrometer 100 nm up to 40 μm*). PMFT 1000 is future proof: It works with any kind of aerosol, it can be used for all kinds of face masks and is also easy to handle.

The Hollingsworth & Vose NanoWave® XT is the new NanoWave® filter media series designed for use in various filter configurations for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in residential and commercial buildings as well as industrial applications. Tests have shown that the new NanoWave® XT series outperforms all other filter media. It features the highest efficiency in protecting people and sensitive components against hazardous PM1 particles as well as double to triple higher dust-holding capacity compared to other premium filter media. In addition, NanoWave® XT significantly reduces the energy consumption of a building. As much as 30% of energy consumption of an HVAC system happens due to the pressure drop in the air filters. NanoWave® XT media, having up to 40% lower pressure drop compared to other premium filtration materials, will significantly lower the energy consumption of the air filter and thus of the whole HVAC system. NanoWave® XT media can be easily and safely disposed of, without negatively impacting the environment or causing unnecessary disposal costs. Due to its unparalleled performance, NanoWave® XT sets new standards in both filtration performance and energy efficiency.

ABCR: More and more microorganisms are coming into focus because of their health-endangering properties. The formation of multi-resistant germs is one of the big challenges for new, sensible solutions. To equip all surfaces antimicrobial - even in water-bearing systems - abcr eco_antimic* from abcr GmbH is a proven alternative. The material provides an enormously wide range of applications as a surface-active substance in respect of incubation time, effectiveness and duration of action. The substance can be used as a coating or as part of the matrix and then shows practically no wear and tear and a long-lasting effect over several years. Challenging applications can be found on all contact surfaces touched by people, e.g. in hospitals, sanitary facilities, on medical equipment. A further field of application is the reduction of biofilms in water-bearing systems. abcr eco_antimic* has already been successfully used in various applications. A large number of patents and the biocide approval exist.

A2Z’S Intelligent Servo driven Blade Pleater along with the mini pleat production modules, allows the user to work with a variety of media including glass fiber as well as synthetic, with change overs for pleat depth/pleat pitch, and hot melt patterns on the fly. The operator can save and access up to 2,500 stored product variations, thus allowing multiple combinations/part numbers to be produced. The machine’s unique flexible design helps filter manufacturers widen their product range and meet the market’s ever changing needs. The A2Z Mini Pleat production module can be added to any existing blade pleater to produce mini pleat packs with a wide array of media thus further reducing the filter manufacturer’s capital expenditure and providing a very flexible production line. This also makes the equipment future-proof with the unique ability to mini pleat a very wide range of media.

Helsatech (Mann + Hummel) The company Helsatech GmbH is a specialist in designing and producing air filtration media based on activated carbon as well as other adsorbents. Our filtration media are multifunctional and reliably remove a wide variety of odors and pollutants from air: Particles, VOC´s, basic gases like ammonia or amines and acid gases like H2S, SO2 and NO2. Formaldehyde is contained as binder or preserving agent in many plastics, paints, cloths, floorings and furniture made of flake boards. Since 2015, it is classified as category 1B which means it can cause cancer in the nasopharyngeal zone when inhaled. Therefore, we developed filtration media based on impregnated activated carbons for the enhanced removal of formaldehyde from indoor and cabin air. Within this filtration process, the formaldehyde molecule is bonded irreversibly to the impregnation substance. We developed pleatable media as well as impregnated foams or non-wovens for V-cells or air purification devices. We also offer the impregnation on an activated carbon honeycomb, which results in a filter medium having high capacity and excellent breakthrough behavior combined with a very low pressure drop and thus a low noise level in air purification devices.

HiFyber: Antibacterial Nanofiber HVAC Filter Media. The proper filtration of circulating indoor air become more important because, today people spend more than 80% of their daily lives indoors and The HVAC systems are referred as the respiratory system of modern buildings. However, during HVAC operation, the microorganisms may obtain suitable environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture level and nutrient to grow and they can diffuse into the filter components in the form of bio-aerosols or accumulated dust and then spread into the indoors. The emergence of the deadly virus Covid-19 points to the need to move the efficiency level of indoor ventilation systems to the next level. Bacteria or viruses do not move in the air on their own and are usually accumulated on dust, saliva or droplets. Airborne-sized particles were considered to be particles 5 μm in size. Challenge controls are maintained at 1700 – 3000 colony-forming units with a mean particle size of 3.0 ± 0.3 μm at “Bacterial Filtration efficiency(BFE), EN 14683 Standard”. HIFYBER HVAC products at F7 level can hold more than 90% of 3 μm particles. It is also possible to increase the BFE to over 99% with HIFYBER HVAC products. SPP65-AB is an innovative product that combines nanofiber with antibacterial technology. In addition to its high pleatablility, it has 4 times more air permeability at the F7 level than non-antibacterial and widely used glass fiber products. HIFYBER cleans the air with its nanotechnological products and also prevents the growth of microorganisms with its antibacterial filter media. DHCAE Tools GmbH Hall 8 C48 H

Mikropor: ASHRAE, mentioned that indoor air handling units must be restored with new filtration systems featuring maximum possible efficiency and portable air purifiers with HEPA efficiency should be used in indoor environments (“ASHRAE Position Document on Infectious Aerosols” published in April 2020). Furthermore, REHVA (Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations) points out that AHU Filters must have maximum possible efficiency and should be replaced on a regular basis. According to the EN1822 standard the minimum efficiency of HEPA filters are 99.95% for class H13 at the overall value of most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Mikropor, has been offering solutions to the needs of several different industries and keeps on dominating the market with its innovative products including HEPA, ULPA and variety of other HVAC filters and also next generation Compressed Air Equipments. The brand new Mia Air (developed by Mikropor) has the privilege to be the first ever air purifier to include H13 efficiency class HEPA Filter in Turkey. Mikropor is delighted and proud to announce that Mia Air captures up to 99.99% of the smallest airborne particles even in this ongoing pandemic, supplies clean air to indoor spaces and offers healthy and peaceful living quarters to people.

Europlasma: Nanofics K - a new nanocoating to boost performance of HEPA filters Plasma is a unique technology to deposit ultra-thin coatings on all exposed surfaces of a material or product. It is increasingly used in manufacturing of filtration media and elements to achieve functionalities such as hydrophilic, hydrophobic or oleophobic. Improvements in process and machine design allow to deposit the coatings in a very cost effective way, with a process that is completely dry and clean. The technology is giving an increasing number of producers of technical nonwovens, membranes, mesh or nanofibers a clear competitive edge. One of the key areas of interest is the nanocoating of electrets used in HEPA filters. A new generation of plasma nanocoatings (Nanofics K) specifically designed for electrets is launched at FILTECH 2021. Advances in process chemistry allow to deposit coatings which boost and maintain filter efficiency over time, while not affecting the pressure drop. Latest synthetic innovation - high efficiency filter media with > 99,99 % particle separation! IREMA is one of the world´s leading manufacturers of synthetic filter media based on a proprietary and unique technology for different applications. In the field of high efficient filter materials, we developed a proprietary synthetic material with particle separation of up to 99,99%. The media can be used e.g. in medical and consumer electronics applications. Also we are able to support the filtration business with pleatable synthetic material. New filter generation - BLU Hybrid filters! BLU Hybrid filters represent a new generation of filters based on a proprietary and patented pleating technology. The rigid pleat design results in minimized air flow resistance and due to the optimal filter media usage and construction, Hybrid filters do not clog during lifetime and provide a high service life. To achieve that, BLU Hybrid filters utilize our most recent 3- layer synthetic media design, which means each layer features its own characteristics (1st layer: G4 prefilter layer - 2nd & 3rd layer: proprietary technology for more filtration efficiency also for smallest particles).

Irema: IREMA is one of the world´s leading manufacturers of synthetic filter media based on a proprietary and unique technology for different applications. In the field of high efficient filter materials, we developed a proprietary synthetic material with particle separation of up to 99,99%. The media can be used e.g. in medical and consumer electronics applications. Also we are able to support the filtration business with pleatable synthetic material.

BLU Hybrid filters represent a new generation of filters based on a proprietary and patented pleating technology. The rigid pleat design results in minimized air flow resistance and due to the optimal filter media usage and construction, Hybrid filters do not clog during lifetime and provide a high service life. To achieve that, BLU Hybrid filters utilize our most recent 3- layer synthetic media design, which means each layer features its own characteristics (1st layer: G4 prefilter layer - 2nd & 3rd layer: proprietary technology for more filtration efficiency also for smallest particles).

TSI will show the new model 8150 automated in-line filter tester for quality assurance of P100 and FFP3 respiratory filters and cartridges in the production line for the first time. This oil-only filter tester is optimized for remote operation, non-destructive penetration testing, and 24/7 use with a high number of tests each day. It is controlled by a PLC for fast integration into existing manufacturing control and data acquisition systems. The model 8150 features fast measurement and cycle times down to 6 seconds, very low relaxation time after defective filter tests, and matching results to the Model 8130A. While significantly smaller in footprint than the model 8130A, it shares the same architecture and even uses the same photometer box with two simultaneous measuring photometers. It will ensure that each of your respiratory filters comply with standards such as NIOSH 42 CFR 84, GB2626, and EN143/EN149.

Topas looks back to a long-term expertise in the field of development, construction, manufacturing and installing of air filter test systems. Based on the new normative regulations from ISO 29461 we have been requested by our key customers to offer a technical solution to test gas turbine filters. The new GTS 114 is based on the successful ALF 114 test system concept. Therefore it also follows testing requirements of ISO 16890 and ASHRAE 52.2. Main new features are related to increased air flow rates up to 11.000 m³/h in recirculation mode with test air conditioning. Furthermore a list of different test aerosols such as oil droplets, salt and dust particles can be applied in combination with multiple measurement technologies such as optical particle counting, optical photometer or flame photometer. The major customer benefit will be the all-in-one solution we propose different from the various test setups described in the different parts of the ISO 29461 standard. Especially doing the water spray performance testing in the same duct required all our construction skills.

Hengst: The indoor air purifier Blue.care+ from Hengst combines a Class F7 prefilter with a Class H14 high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter featuring a filter capacity of ≥ 99.995 %. The system effectively filters indoor air to remove particulate matter, allergens, bacteria and especially minuscule aerosol droplets and viruses in the critical size range of 0.1 microns. The highly effective HEPA filter eliminates the need for UV-C radiation to kill viruses, preventing the release of toxic substances such as ozone. Hengst Blue.care+ is also very quiet and highly efficient: The whisper fan achieves an air exchange rate of up to 1,800 m³ per hour. With six fold air exchange Blue.care+ reduces the virus load by more than 50 % after 10 minutes of operation. As opposed to the small and portable units available, the flow-optimized design with Power Diffusor technology achieves optimal air circulation throughout the entire room with no drafts.

JP Air: Face mask construction, nonwoven material type, air permeability, filtration capability, basis weight, fiber properties and mechanical properties are all key factors effecting the overall performance of a face mask. In this scope, JP Air Tech’s multi-layered face mask construction is engineered to provide not only enhanced protection but also maximum wear ability. Each layer is specifically designed to ensure maximum protection, comfort wear, easy breathability and improved durability. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing demand for face masks, JP Air Tech, the Danish filter media manufacturer, has invested in two fully automated face mask production lines. With this investment, company has a daily capacity of producing up to 50,000 pcs of particulate filtering half mask (FFP1/FFP2/FFP3) and 150,000 pcs of non-sterile medical face mask (Type-II, Type-IIR). Company has the bandwidth to exponentially expand the current face mask production capacity based on customer needs and market demand. Thanks to its 30 years of experience and expertise in air filtration, JP Air Tech has designed and engineered high performing face masks which are approved, certified and meets the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and MD (Medical Device) regulation requirements of the European Commission. Customers can expect the highest quality made-in-Denmark face mask products and a swift delivery

Lydall: In June 2021, Lydall opened its new Filtration Center of Excellence in the United States in Rochester, New Hampshire. This state-of-the-art facility has been under construction since July 2020, and it will be solely dedicated to advancing filtration science and media innovation for products that make the world cleaner, safer and quieter. The Lydall Filtration Center of Excellence will focus on the technologies and innovation needed to rapidly bring world-class products to market in the focused areas of personal protective equipment (PPE), indoor air quality (IAQ), liquid filtration, and coalescing. Lydall will also engage in forward-thinking joint development programs in partnership with its customers. Additionally, Lydall will increase capabilities in materials testing, rapid prototyping, application testing, science and engineering talent, and global market understanding. The new facility is also home to two new fine fiber meltblown productions lines – making this site the largest for meltblown filtration media production site in the United States