Elimination of fine dust and airborne bacteria using an improved wet-type air purifier

Abstract

In this study, the ability to filter fine particulate matter (PM) and bacteria from the air of an improved wet-type air purifier, which incorporates a venturi module supplemented with mist spray nozzles, cyclone, and nano silver-coated polypropylene filter media with a filtration pore size of 0.5 µm, was optimally investigated. A nano-silver solution was synthesised using a chemical reduction method, achieving a silver concentration of up to 1006 ppm and nano-silver particle sizes ranging from 10 to 25 nm. Key parameters such as the number and positioning of mist spray nozzles in the venturi tube, concentration and size of fine dust particles, and bacterial concentration affecting the device’s performance were thoroughly examined. The results obtained demonstrate that the wet-type air purifier device is capable of removing fine PM dust and total bacteria to below the permissible levels for clean air. The resulting device can exhibit potential applications in treating air sources with high levels of PM dust and bacterial pollution.