The system improves air quality in homes, schools and offices, addressing an issue that affects both health and productivity in the country.
Felipe Scott, researcher at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciencessuccessfully concluded the "UnitAir" project, a integrated high-efficiency biopurifier system for the purification, capture and destruction of indoor air pollutants. This device aims to improve air quality in homes, schools and offices, addressing a problem that affects both health and productivity in the country.
Indoor air quality in enclosed spaces has become an issue that has attracted attention over the years, especially when it has been shown that the pollutants that affect it not only come from external sources, such as traffic or the burning of fuels, but are also generated inside the enclosed spaces. For example, cleaning products, paints, furniture, and even wood heaters contribute to the accumulation of pollutants that can reach critical levels and affect people's health.
UnitAir is a biopurifier that uses a self-regulating biological system, formed by a group of microorganisms, which break down air pollutant molecules, including volatile organic compounds.
The device proposes a novel solution by eliminating the need for constant filter changes or maintenance. Unlike other air purifiers that require systems that use high temperatures or chemical agents to destroy air pollutants, UnitAir uses a self-regulating biological system consisting of a group of microorganisms that break down airborne pollutant molecules, including volatile organic compounds. This not only improves the cost-effectiveness of the device, but also ensures constant efficiency without the need for regular replacement or maintenance. To review the paper with the results, click here.
Alberto Vergara, Patricio Moreno and Sichem Guerrero, professors from our university, together with three international researchers, collaborated in this project. These results were achieved with the collaboration of the companies Tecsinox and Optima, who worked together with the team. UANDES.