Week 4

1 – 7 June

Further research and testing on the filters and fans were done.

  • Shape of filters

Tubular filters are more commonly seen in air purifiers on the market. However, flat filters are more versatile in terms of stacking and removing. They will be more suitable for this project as we trial and test the efficiency of different types of filters.

  • Type of filters

To target the odour-causing VOCs, other possible chemicals filters were suggested.

  1.  Zeolites – Hydrated Aluminosilicate minerals that can absorb VOCs.
  2. Potassium Permanganate Impregnated Activated Alumina – Filtering media particularly used for odour control.
  3. Titanium dioxide with UV-A light: Photocatalytic oxidation which decomposes VOCs.
  • Position of fans

Fans should be placed as the last unit of the device, below all filters so as to pull air through them.

  • Number and size of fans

A single large fan that can provide sufficient suction is costly. After testing the power of one small fan, we found that 4-6 of such small fans would be a feasible substitute.

Calculations (insert link) were performed to determine the required Airwatts of fan system in prototype and hence the configuration of the small fans.

 

⇒ Move on to Week 5 or back to Week 3