Rf atmospheric plasma based air filtration using porous metals

Summary form only given. Atmospheric plasmas, specifically RF atmospheric plasmas, provide efficient means for sterilization and biological remediation. Several groups have shown that under ideal conditions total elimination of bacteriological agents, such as E. Coli, is possible. The goal of this project is to design and optimize a flowing air sterilization system based around porous metals and atmospheric RF plasmas, which is compatible with current air handling infrastructure. This system is designed to eliminate organic contaminants down to the viral level with minimal impedance to airflow. Optimization of this system will focus on decontamination efficiencies, minimization of power consumption, and ease of incorporation into existing airflow systems. Unique challenges to this project include: geometries dictated by existing air flow systems, minimizing pressure drops through the system, power consumption, the necessity of a very stable glow discharge, and the interaction of the unique electrical properties of porous metal structures with RF driven plasmas. System design, characterization of the plasma region, and preliminary tests as an inline air treatment system are presented.