Determination of the Optimum Removal Efficiency of Fine Particulate Matter Using Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF).

Min-Kyeong Kim,Duckshin Park,Yelim Jang

doi:10.3390/ijerph17218230

Abstract

In Korea, concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) are significantly higher in urban railway tunnels (178.1 μg/m3) than in metropolitan areas (49 μg/m3). In railway tunnels in Korea, it was maintained at 3–4 times higher concentration than general atmosphere and platform. Dust generated by trains is scattered at high speed in these tunnels, making filtration difficult; therefore, the development of filters that can be maintained in tunnels is required. In the present study, we examined PM adsorption in the laboratory scale using activated carbon fiber (ACF), which has high adsorption and capacity. The ACF depth, velocity of flow, and fine PM concentration in the tunnel were the experimental variables. We compared PM concentrations before and after the filter experiments, and calculated removal efficiency to determine the optimal conditions. Comprehensive examination of the experimental variables and differential pressure showed that the optimal conditions for an ACF specimen were a wind speed of 3.0 m/s and the ACF depth of 400 mm. The average removal efficiency of PM10 was 55.5%, and that of PM2.5 was 36.6%. The reproducibility tests showed that the ACF filter could be washed and reused and is suitable for various places because it is easily maintained.

Highlights

Particulate matter (PM) is a key indicator of air pollution caused by natural and human activities; it affects air quality, regional and global climate, and human health [1,2,3,4]
The removal efficiency was highest at 1 m/s, and the result was decreased as the wind speeds gradually increased
It is judged that the area where activated carbon fiber (ACF) is attached to the test specimen is as small as 200 mm, and the adsorption performance decreases as the wind speeds increases gradually (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Particulate matter (PM) is a key indicator of air pollution caused by natural and human activities; it affects air quality, regional and global climate, and human health [1,2,3,4]. The effects of fine PM on the human must be continuously studied. Several studies have reported effects of PM exposure on respiratory illness, heart failure, and mortality, especially PM with a diameter of

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion