Novel air sterilization process for clean air production and microbial spread limitation using protection devices.

Abstract

This work aims to develop and simulate a novel process based on sterilizing natural air by heating at high temperatures followed by rapid cooling. The new sustainable process is called “Air Rapid Heating Rapid Cooling Sterilization” (ARHRCS). Thus, it can be used in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in hospitals to produce safe air, free of pathogenic airborne microbes including bacteria and viruses such as tuberculosis (TB) and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). A crown fixed on the head of the medical staff may be connected to the HVAC system to produce a constant flow of clean laminar air. Hence, this crown is capable of keeping airborne microorganisms at a safe distance from Health Care Workers (HCWs), avoiding any potential microbial infection. Accordingly, HCWs will be able to work in more suitable and safe conditions, especially in high infection risk areas. Depending on its need, the newly developed process may be implemented in different other locations such as laboratories, malls, planes, buildings, and other crowded spaces. Further applications of this method may arise including its usage in the sterilization of recirculated air in biosafety cabinets and the development of a portable air sterilizing unit.