To purify the air, harmful gases, fine dust, and pathogens had to be treated separately with different devices because each has different particle sizes, chemical properties, and retention methods in the air. Domestic researchers have developed a system that can simultaneously manage all three. In the future, real-time detection of pathogens in the air, as well as the removal of harmful gases and fine dust, is projected to be possible.
The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) announced on the 20th that a research team led by senior researcher Do Seong-jun in the fiber solutions division has developed a system called 'HAPs-Solver (Harmful Air Pollutant Solution)' that can detect and eliminate harmful substances in the air.
The research team first created a suction funnel device to capture pathogens such as bacteria or viruses in the air. Using this device, the air rotates, pushing small particles outward and collecting them in a liquid. By analyzing this liquid, it is possible to identify which pathogens are present. The time from sample collection to analysis takes about 2.5 hours.
Filters that eliminate harmful gases have also been added. This filter can adsorb and remove up to 99.9% of gases, such as ammonia, which causes foul odors, and formaldehyde, which causes sick building syndrome. Fine dust is blocked by another special filter that uses a membrane with minute holes to filter out dust.
The results of this research will be unveiled at the 'Preview in Seoul 2025' exhibition, which opens on the 20th. Senior researcher Do Seong-jun noted, "An integrated solution that can manage various airborne harmful substances within a single system," and added, "We plan to apply it to multi-use facilities such as nursing homes and day care centers after going through practical demonstration processes."