Background: The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing a state-of-the-art air filtration system. As flu epidemics and bioterrorism risks threaten public health concern about airborne pathogens has grown. While a number of disinfectors for airborne microorganisms are available on the market their intricate designs make them slow to work overly complicated and extremely expensive to install. Current technologies are also inefficient when dealing with highly resistant bacterial spores and the lack of proper decontamination for the filters themselves leaves the airway susceptible to surviving agents negating most of the original cleansing processes. Researchers at the University of Florida recognized the demand for a simple inexpensive device for proper air purification. The researchers created an innovative self-cleaning filtration system for use in heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems of both commercial and residential spaces. As concern grows about hazardous biological and chemical agents in government building hospitals businesses and homes this easy addition to existing air filtration devices offers a cost-effective solution and a safer healthier way of life. Technology Description: This system offers competitive advantages over existing bioaerosol disinfectants. With this device ultra-high temperatures are quickly reached in contaminated filters through a novel infrared (IR) radiation heating process . This heating allows for rapid sterilization and decomposition of captured biochemical agents and offers a quicker and more cost effective means for filter regeneration. Besides increased efficiency and cleaner air outputs the device also boasts superfast heat-up times less power consumption and a simpler design when compared to existing bio-aerosol control systems. Not only do these further reduce associated overhead costs but this invention can also be easily retrofitted to existing HVAC systems making it a viable option for both commercial and residential uses. It applies to a wide variety of markets including but not limited to public health protection industrial air pollution control and certain aspects of homeland security. The University of Florida has also developed an accompanying technology – a filter pack with multiple layers of low-pressure fiber mats and microwave absorbing ceramic mats --that would further improve inactivation system efficiency. The product after effectively eradicating airborne agents collected within its filter cleans itself through microwave irradiation further promoting clean air and healthy environments. Applications: Efficient air filtration system designed for air purification and sterilization in residential and work settings.
1) Uses a simple design allowing for cheaper more manageable means of air purification 2) Cleans more rapidly than current systems at lower power consumption rates increasing efficiency and saving on overhead costs 3) Destroys highly resistant endospores more effectively providing cleaner healthier air for employees and families 4) Includes self-cleaning capability increasing efficiency and eliminating harmful pathogens associated with current unclean air filters 5) Applicable across several markets increasing profit potential