PI: Prof. Rochish M Thaokar, Chemical Engineering Department

Co-PI: Prof. Y. S. Mayya and Prof. Chandra Venkataraman, Department of Chemical Engineering

Tata Fellow: Vrushali Gardare (2018-20)

Indoor air pollution, especially the particulate pollution, is a cause of both acute and chronic respiratory health effects. A large number of fatalities as well as loss of man-hours are attributed to various diseases caused by both biological and chemical particulate pollutants. There is a considerable need to develop clean air delivery devices to protect persons in residences, offices and workplaces from exposure to particulate pollution. Such techniques should be safe, low cost and efficient. In view of the complexities in particulate collecting efficiencies as a function of their size, different technologies have shown promise targeting different size groups. There is however, still considerable scope for exploring and implementing ideas which will enhance the efficiency, affordability and deployability of air cleaner devices as part of indoor facilities, like the existing water purifiers which has almost become a mandatory household appliance. With this in mind, the project aims at combining electrospray based particle charging ideas with the existing air filtration methods to enhance the effectiveness of removal at affordable operating costs of the system.

The project aims to develop a mitigation technology to reduce indoor air pollution, and thereby contributing to the improvement of public health. This issue is particularly acute in developing countries where significant particulate pollution is generated by intense and prolonged cooking cycles. Moreover, there is considerable ingression of outdoor pollution into their living spaces.