Liquid Based Portable Filtration Device

Typical HEPA air filtration devices struggle to capture ultrafine particulate matter such as smoke or virus particles, because they can measure nanometers in diameter. The focus of this air filtration device is to address that concern and increase air quality by capturing fine particulate matter (P.M2.5). Rather than relying on a physical filter, this device uses ultrasonic atomizers and a vane pack to capture particulate matter and filter it out, making it a more cost-effective filtration solution. The goal of the system is to create a water-based air filtration system that can filter at least 80% of particulate matter in a 150-square-foot room within 1 hour while maintaining a noise level of under 80 dB and operating with an internal battery.
The system consists of a horizontal design using a typical venturi system to increase air velocity, ultrasonic atomizers that spray water droplets and capture particles, and a vane pack system that separates the clean air from the contaminated droplets. Two fans on the inlet and the outlet are used to increase airflow within the system. Through simulations and analysis, it was predicted that this system had a particulate capture efficiency of 85-95%. To increase efficiency and minimize waste, this system is paired with a recirculation system that filters the contaminated water through a pump, so it can be reused and recirculated through the ultrasonic atomizers. Additionally, an electronic system was made to control the ultrasonic atomizers, pump, fans, and sensors through an Arduino-Controlled circuit.
The body and vane pack system are made by 3D printing using PLA because it is inexpensive, easy to modify, and allows for experimentation to find optimal vane pack spacing. The vanes would have required a complex machining method had they not been 3D printed because of their complex shape. A dowel system is used to hold each section of the assembly together. By using the full CAD model, a simulation of the airflow within the vane pack system was conducted, showing acceptable pressure drops and velocity profiles.