NuWave, LLC announced an independent study conducted by the University of Minnesota that found the company’s OxyPure® Air Purifier reduces porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) concentration in the air. While recirculating air purifiers remove dust, allergens, and pet dander from indoor spaces, NuWave sought to test OxyPure’s effectiveness against PRCV, a known proxy for other coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19).
The University of Minnesota tested OxyPure’s ability to effectively remove PRCV. Air samples were gathered around an OxyPure® unit placed in a sealed, custom built and calibrated wind tunnel within the flow path of aerosolized PRCV over varying periods of time. After each of the three tests, the virus concentration recovered was determined for both upstream and downstream samples. Genetic analysis was performed to determine the amount of viral RNA present in the samples. Following the test, swab samples were immediately collected from within the OxyPure’s Carbon/HEPA and Bio-Guard™ filters and again after one hour of the OxyPure® unit operating.
“The University of Minnesota has a long history of developing techniques to measure and monitor particle concentrations in the air. U of Minn focused on understanding the role particles play in influencing air quality and developing techniques to remove pollutant particles from the air in indoor environments,” said James Moon, General Manager, NuWave LLC.
Chris Hogan, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota, said, “The research focus, of my lab group, is the testing of control technology to remove pollutant particles specifically including infectious particles with viable viruses in them from the air that we breathe.”
“On the OxyPure® unit we got an overall removal efficiency of 98% in our testing. The OxypPure® unit can get a removal efficiency of 98% is because it uses multiple control technologies in it. First, the airflow passes through an electrostatic precipitator, a device designed to first ionize particles, so that they'll move in an electric field. Following the electrostatic precipitator, a high-efficiency particulate air filter is integrated with an activated carbon filter for particle removal; these two technologies together in the OxyPure® unit are extremely efficient in combination and removing particles,” added Hogan.
The test proved that a single pass removed 98.24% of the PRCV concentration at a volumetric flow rate of 70 cubic feet per minute (CFM) (fan speed level at 1). Chris Hogan and his team were able to calculate that in just under six (6) hours this would yield in a 99.999% reduction of the virus in a 1,200 sq. ft room at a volumetric flow rate of 350 cubic feet per minute CFM (fan speed level at 6).
OxyPure® Air Purifier’s five-stage filter system is designed to capture 100% of microscopic airborne particles as small as 0.09 microns, reduce ozone levels to less than 1 part per billion and features a five-stage filter system: capturing and removing over 99.96% of airborne viruses, such as H3N2, in one hour and 99.99% of bacteria, such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus, within two hours of detection.
“The pandemic highlights the unknown nature of virus transmission and the importance of cleanliness and disinfection on surfaces and in the air,” continued Moon. “The University of Minnesota’s test shows that OxyPure® significantly reduces PRCV concentration in the air – effectively creating a virtually virus-free indoor space.”
About NuWave, LLC
NuWave, an American manufacturer based in Vernon Hills, IL, has been a leader in designing and creating innovative consumer products in the home appliance sector since 1993. The company is best known for its innovative countertop kitchen appliances. NuWave’s flagship product, the NuWave Oven, launched in 2002 and quickly became the No.1 countertop oven in the world. The company has a long history of developing new products for large corporations, such as General Electric and Whirlpool. NuWave’s mission is to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products that enable consumers to live well for less. For more information and full testing reports, visit, https://www.NuWaveOxyPure.com.
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