Freudenberg cabin air filters contribute to effective SARS-CoV-2 sur- face protection, adds anti- viral value

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Freudenberg cabin air filters is pitched as an effective solution to filter viruses in air circulating inside the vehicles.

Latest ISO18184 tests that were conducted by the Guang Zhou Institute of Microbiology (China) have shown the company’s micronAir proTect line filters to inactivate virtually 100 percent of viruses by an unique anti-viral filter layer.

Recent ISO test finds micronAir  proTect line filter successfully wards off various virus types.  Alongside the global manufacture of facemasks, the Freudenberg Group is supporting to reduce the risk of infection with efficient high-tech filtration solutions.

Health authorities across the word are focusing on ways to contain the virus and flatten the infection curve in the current coronavirus pandemic. The first step to prevent viral airborne aerosols from causing harm is to directly filter them from the ambient air and secondly to inactivate the critical virus load by an anti-viral filter media layer.

In closed atmosphere like vehicle interiors, filtrating airborne aerosols from the air is key to keep passengers safe. The solution serves as an effective shield against airborne aero- sols transmitting pathogens such as H1N1 and HCoV-229E. Thanks to a sophisticated dual mode of action, micronAir presents a suitable option next to other available cabin filter solutions, including the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

According to Ashok Pandey, Head, Automotive Filters at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, India, says ” “Our cabin air filter solution captures aerosol droplets and droplet nuclei within the range of 0.05 μm to 16 μm.”

Citing the latest Covid-19 research of the World Health Organization (WHO), Pandey said these aerosols contain the critical virus load, creating harm as they are emitted during talking, coughing, breathing, or sneezing.

“Once captured on the filter, the viruses are inactivated through a patented approach based on natural fruit extracts to prevent secondary contamination,” he added.

Upon reaching the filtration medium, viruses interact with the fruit extract’s acid environment. The reaction causes the rendering or denaturation of the virus’ protein structure, which leads to a harmless pathogen unable to infect human cells.

Removing viruses

In recirculation mode, removing viruses from the air largely depends on the efficiency of the filtration system and the air exchange rate. Automotive interior filters of the “micronAir proTect line”, which Freudenberg manufactures for car manufacturers, can filter roughly more than 90 percent of the viral aerosols.

The first two layers capture most of the ultrafine aerosols. The optional third layer captures harmful gases. An innovative fourth layer coated with fruit extract then inactivates almost 100 percent of the detected viral load, preventing the release of active viruses back into the cabin air following vibration. This has been demonstrated in a series of comprehensive tests carried out in cooperation with an independent external research institute.

(With inputs from Automotive Lead Research Team)

Also Read : Freudenberg India eyes all-around growth opportunities in auto sector, says Georg Graf in his exclusive interview to Automotive Lead magazine

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