CLC number:
On-line Access: 2021-01-27
Received: 2020-08-31
Revision Accepted: 2020-09-07
Crosschecked: 0000-00-00
Cited: 0
Clicked: 2130
Hussain Alenezi, Muhammet Emin Cam, Mohan Edirisinghe. A novel reusable anti-COVID-19 transparent face respirator with optimized airflow[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2021, 4(1): 1-9.
@article{title="A novel reusable anti-COVID-19 transparent face respirator with optimized airflow",
author="Hussain Alenezi, Muhammet Emin Cam, Mohan Edirisinghe",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science D",
volume="4",
number="1",
pages="1-9",
year="2021",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1007/s42242-020-00097-1"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T A novel reusable anti-COVID-19 transparent face respirator with optimized airflow
%A Hussain Alenezi
%A Muhammet Emin Cam
%A Mohan Edirisinghe
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE D
%V 4
%N 1
%P 1-9
%@ 1869-1951
%D 2021
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1007/s42242-020-00097-1
TY - JOUR
T1 - A novel reusable anti-COVID-19 transparent face respirator with optimized airflow
A1 - Hussain Alenezi
A1 - Muhammet Emin Cam
A1 - Mohan Edirisinghe
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science D
VL - 4
IS - 1
SP - 1
EP - 9
%@ 1869-1951
Y1 - 2021
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1007/s42242-020-00097-1
Abstract: This novel face mask is designed to be a reusable respirator with a small and highly efficient disposable fabric filter. Respirator material requirements are reduced by 75% compared to traditional designs and allow repeated cleaning or sterilization. The probability of virus particle inhalation is reduced using novel air filtration pathways, through square-waveform design to increase filter airflow. Air enters the mask from right and left side filters, while the area in front of the mouth is isolated. Clear epoxy is used for a transparent frame, allowing lip-reading, and mask edges contain a silicone seal preventing bypass of the filters. The mask is manufactured using silicone molds, eliminating electricity requirements making it economical and viable in developing countries. Computational fluid dynamics numerical studies and Fluent ANSYS software were used to simulate airflow through the filter to optimize filter air path geometry and validate mask design with realistic human requirements. The breathing cycle was represented as a transient function, and N95 filter specifications were selected as a porous medium. The novel design achieved 1.2 × 10−3 kg s−1, 20% higher than human requirements, with air streamlines velocity indicating local high speed, forcing and trapping virus particles against filter walls through centrifugal forces.
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