Antibacterial counter flow air purifier and humidifier for domestic, pneumological clinics and other purposes

• Grant number: 02/12926-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2003
• End date: May 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos de Barros Neiva
• Grantee: Antonio Carlos de Barros Neiva
• Company: Aquar Air Systems Ltda
• City: Campinas

Abstract

The equipment proposed in this project functions as an antibacterial air purifier, humidifier and cooler. It forces the passage of air through an aleatory spray of droplets torn from a curtain of water. Its innovation consists in the geometry of the flows, with a horizontal curtain of water perpendicular to the ascending air discharge which creates an area of high turbulence close to the wall. The smaller droplets continue to ascend and evaporate, while the larger ones collect and drop down to the lower part of the equipment, performing the washing and retention of particles. The results of the humidification, of the adiabatic cooling and the elimination of living organic material in the four prototypes tested in phase 1 of the project were clearly superior to those obtained from an imported air conditioner, recently launched on the market. With the technical viability of the concept confirmed, it is believed that with development in phase 2, the product performance should be even better. Market research confirms promising expectations for climatizers, as the appliances that carry out adiabatic cooling and humidifying are generically being called. Applications range from air conditioners for residential use, in clinics, industry, in shops and in churches, among many others. (AU)