The Air Curtain Hard Hat Acts Like an Invisible Face Mask
University of Michigan
A recently developed device offers protection from airborne viruses without the need for a face mask. It utilizes a curtain of air that has been pre-treated to eliminate viruses it encounters. Named the “Worker Wearable Protection Device,” it was developed at the University of Michigan under the leadership of Assoc. Prof.
Herek Clack and is now being brought to market through his spinoff company, Taza Aya. Initially targeting industrial settings, a more compact consumer version is currently under development.
Wearable Device Features Air Nozzles in Visor and Connects to a 10-pound Backpack
In fact, the functional part of the wearable device includes a series of downward-facing air nozzles positioned within a visor that curves around the front or brim of a hard hat. Tubes extend from both ends of this visor arc to a backpack weighing 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
However, inside the backpack are the battery, electronics, air management system, and a nonthermal plasma (cold plasma) module. This module neutralizes airborne viruses using ionized gas generated at relatively low temperatures.
University of Michigan
Activated Wearable Device Creates Protective Air Curtain, Blocking Up to 100% of Aerosols
Once activated, the wearable device directs a downward-flowing air curtain that curves in front of the user’s face, deflecting particles. According to third-party tests, even without air sterilization, this curtain prevents 99.8% of aerosols, including viruses, from reaching the wearer’s face. When the plasma pretreatment is included, this effectiveness reportedly rises to nearly 100%.
This technology is currently undergoing trials at the Michigan Turkey Producers poultry-processing plant. The plant employs hundreds of workers who face constant risks of respiratory virus transmission from both colleagues and birds.
University of Michigan
Challenges with Paper Masks
Previously, workers at the facility used paper masks, but these created challenges such as difficulty hearing each other or reading lips on the noisy processing floor. The masks also fogged up safety goggles, failed to maintain a proper facial seal throughout the day, and had to be removed for eating or drinking.
The wearable device has so far proven to be a reliable solution to all these issues.
To conclude, “We are pleased with the study results as we embark on this journey,” said Taza Aya CEO Alberto Elli. “This real-world product and user testing experience will help us successfully launch the Worker Wearable in 2025.”
More information is available in the following video.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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