One of the ILK’s research projects is currently working on the development of a decentralized air cleaning device for writing desks. Its goal is the direct gathering and filtration of breathing air at desks in the work place or in schools. By gathering polluted air directly at the source, the mixing of room air with a potential viral load and other contaminants can be prevented. Thus, air cleaning could soon be very effective and largely quiet-running.

Quick and flexible availability

The device could allow for safe face-to-face teaching under pandemic conditions, especially in schools, but also help to mitigate the effects of the annual flu epidemic in the long term. The device is designed as an upgrade module for existing furniture or as a component for the integration into new desks. It can also be applied in open space offices or conference rooms.

Need-based functionality provides for sustainability

When there is no need anymore to pre-empt a pandemic, the desks can be used in their original function and do not cause any operating costs. However, the cleaning mode can be activated at any time if necessary, for instance to provide for effective health protection during the annual flu epidemic. Need-based functionality ensures sustainability of the furniture with air cleaning function.

Focus of the ILK project:

• the most convenient way of cleaning. Here, we focus on filters, UV-C and ionization.
• the efficiency of gathering breathing air, which is going to be optimized with vortex hoods or deflectors

Project executing organization: Euronorm