Improved air filtration and filter sterilization using DC electric fields and a one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDP)

Summary form only given. The filtration of bacteria and viruses from indoor air is hindered by two characteristics of the organisms-their extremely small size and the ability to reproduce. The effective filtration of particles the size of microorganisms-tens of nanometers to a few microns-is difficult, and the organisms captured by the filter can reproduce in situ and be released into the airstream, giving rise to the "sick building syndrome". The application of DC electric fields and atmospheric plasmas such as the one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDP) to a filter can address both of these challenges. Enhancement of filter capture efficiency through the application of DC electrostatic fields is well established. Electrophoretic effects induced by a strong electric field produce an attractive force between particles and filter fibers, resulting in significantly enhanced filter efficiency, especially for small particles. The sterilization of surfaces through exposure to the One Atmosphere Uniform Gas Discharge Plasma has been demonstrated to be very effective. At UTK we have recently developed the "Volfilter" (TM), a planar version of the OAUGDP produced by attaching insulated rod electrodes to both sides of a sheet of dielectric filter material and energizing the electrodes with a high voltage, low frequency RF source.