Development of High-Performance Air Purifier using Human Hair and Vetiver (Chrysopogan Zizanioides) as Filter Media

Abstract

Purpose-The global crisis of extreme air pollution is encountered nowadays due to the burning of fossil fuel, vehicular emission, modern sophistication and industrialization. These result infusions of high levels of Smoke, Particulate Matter (PM), Total volatile organic compounds (VOC), Hydrocarbons (HCHO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), Sulfur Oxides (SOX), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and other air pollutants into the atmosphere.Findings- Therefore, the development of a cost-saving air purifier is extremely essential with naturally occurring resources that are readily available throughout all the places at some point in time.A compact, flexible, modular and low-cost air purifier has designed employing a combination of porous plug and two filter media developed from natural resources.Methodology-The air purification unit is horizontal shaped and made with a simple PVC pipe. The first filter media was developed by mixing human hair with low-cost vegetable Mahua oil and the second one by wetting Vetiver (Chrysopogan zizanioides) with water. A mixture of human hair with Mahua oil can absorb the suspended particulate matter of size above 2.5 µm, and wet Vetiver shows the enormous capability of absorption of gases like NOx, SOx and Hydrocarbons and adsorption of particle size even less than 2.5 µm like PM1. Moreover, due to the pleasant smell, wet Vetiver can produce fresh air.Value-The cleaning and disposals of such naturally derived products are easy because of complete biodegradability and no negative impact on the environment. To restrict the filter media movement, porous plugs are coupled at the inlets and outlets of pipeline and filters. Due to the Joule-Thomson effect, the air coming out of the porous plug becomes 50oC cooler than the input air. The pollutant removal efficiency of indoor was found to be more than 60% were in the outdoor residential areas, it was more than 75%, and in the heavily crowded regions, it evaluated to be more than 65%. Amidst the alarming air pollution scenario throughout the world, such an invented device should be welcome due to the excellent performance as reflected in the production of pollutant-free fresh air at reduced temperature.