Bangalore, Nov 27, 2020
Vehicle cabin air filters by the Germany-based Freudenberg Filtration Technologies contribute to effective SARS-CoV-2 surface protection. Recent ISO18184 tests conducted by the renowned Guang Zhou Institute of Microbiology (China) have shown the company’s micronAir proTect line filters to inactivate virtually 100 percent of viruses by an unique anti-viral filter layer. Recent ISO test finds micronAir proTect line filter successfully wards off various virus types. Alongside the global manufacture of facemasks, the Freudenberg Group is helping to reduce the risk of infection with efficient high-tech filtration solutions.
In the wake of the current coronavirus pandemic, health authorities around the globe are focusing on ways to contain the virus and flatten the infection curve. The first step to prevent viral airborne aerosols from causing harm is to directly filter them from the ambient air and secondly to inactivate the critical virus load by an anti-viral filter media layer. In closed environments like vehicle interiors, which pose a higher risk of infection through inhalation, filtrating airborne aerosols from the air is key to keep passengers safe. The solution serves as an effective shield against airborne aerosols transmitting pathogens such as H1N1 and HCoV-229E. Thanks to a sophisticated dual mode of action, micronAir presents a viable option next to other available cabin filter solutions, including the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
“To reach this vital goal, our micronAir cabin air filters follow a two- pronged approach,” said Ashok Pandey, Head, Automotive Filters at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, India. He added, “Our cabin air filter solution captures aerosol droplets and droplet nuclei within the range of 0.05 µm to 16 µm. As the latest Covid-19 studies of the World Health Organization (WHO) showed, these aerosols contain the critical virus load, causing harm as they are emitted during breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing. Once captured on the filter, the viruses are inactivated through a patented approach based on natural fruit extracts to prevent secondary contamination.” Upon reaching the filtration medium, viruses interact with the fruit extract’s acid environment. The reaction causes the rendering or denaturation of the virus’ protein structure, which leads to a harmless pathogen unable to infect human cells.
In recirculation mode, removing viruses from the air largely depends on the efficiency of the filtration system and the air exchange rate. Automotive interior filters of the micronAir proTect line, which Freudenberg manufactures for car manufacturers, can filter roughly more than 90 percent of the viral aerosols. The first two layers capture most of the ultrafine aerosols. The optional third layer captures harmful gases. An innovative fourth layer coated with fruit extract then inactivates almost 100 percent of the detected viral load, preventing the release of active viruses back into the cabin air following vibration. This has been demonstrated in a series of comprehensive tests carried out in cooperation with an independent external research institute.
Freudenberg Filtration Technologies - a global technology leader in air and liquid filtration - develops and produces high-performance, energy-efficient filtration solutions which improve the efficiency of industrial processes, conserve resources, protect people and the environment and thus enhance the quality of life. With its Viledon and micronAir global brands, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies offers customers innovative filter elements and systems for the energy and resources, hygiene and health, automobile and transport, production and building technology sectors, and for highly-specialised applications.
The company is a part the Euro 9.4 billion Freudenberg Group, which develops leading-edge technologies and excellent products and services for more than 40 markets and for thousands of applications: Seals, vibration control components, technical textiles, filters, cleaning technologies and products, specialty chemicals and medical products.