Coronavirus Webinars

Coronavirus Webinars

Free webinars are being conducted as part of a comprehensive program to help decision makers overcome COVID. They include insights from world experts and analysis of the latest technology. The webinars are organized around three subject areas

1. Masks and Other PPE (next webinar August 20, 2020)

2. Filters and HVAC (next webinar September 10, 2020)

3. Other Technologies ranging from decontamination to monitoring (next webinar October 1, 2020)

In each of these three segments linked below you can view past webinars and register for the next one. There are speaking opportunities with priority being given to subscribers to the service

Masks and Other PPE Filters and HVAC Other Technologies

Masks and other PPE Webinars

High Efficiency Mask Market and Supplier Program

The biggest new market in the history of filtration involves high efficiency masks to conquer COVID. New evidence points to these masks as the most important weapon in the arsenal. A comprehensive program has detailed market forecasts and technology analysis to establish the true cost of each alternative. Click here to view a video description or Click here for the power point display

August 20, 2020 - Mask Selection Webinar

This webinar includes a discussion major issues in mask selection. It includes a presentation by Wendover Brown of Vogmask followed by a discussion with contributions from Abhisek Saha of UCSD, Christine Sun of WFI, Kari Lukkonnen of Fibertex, and Vladimir Paserin of VPM Research. The challenge is to balance wearer protection and wearer transmission. Due the mounting evidence that much of the transmission is airborne the needs for wearer protection are becoming paramount.. This risk is further exacerbated by evidence that cloth masks act as aerosol generators for cough droplets after initial capture. More analysis needs to be done on this important phenomenon. UCSD has been doing considerable research on droolet evaporation and will be investigating the virus fate from cough droplets on surfaces and in media subjected to continuous air flow.

Vogmask is balancing the needs for air pollution and COVID protection . This includes comfort considerations with varying degrees of exertion. A unique design under development is a lock for a valved mask. This will provide flexibility to better balance the need.

Nanofibers offer an attractive alternative to meltblowns. Kari Lukkonnen answered some questions about performance and availability. A number of new media options were discussed. Bob Mcilvaine predicted a robust market for masks through 2025 based on increasing awareness of indoor and outdoor pollution threats, the present viruses, the delay in achieving a fully effective vaccine against COVID and the likelihood of new viruses or at least the threat of them.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/YHN49FOzJ5Q

July 24, 2020 - Abhishek Saha Interview on Droplet Travel

Abhishek Saha ,Assistant Professor at University of California San Diego, explained that modeling shows respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze travel farther and last longer in humid, cold climates than in hot, dry ones. This is the conclusion of a study on droplet physics by an international team of engineers. The researchers incorporated this understanding of the impact of environmental factors on droplet spread into a new mathematical model that can be used to predict the early spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19, and the role of respiratory droplets in that spread.

The team developed this new model to better understand the role that droplet clouds play in the spread of respiratory viruses. Their model is the first to be based on a fundamental approach taken to study chemical reactions called collision rate theory, which looks at the interaction and collision rates of a droplet cloud exhaled by an infected person with healthy people. Their work connects population-scale human interaction with their micro-scale droplet physics results on how far and fast droplets spread, and how long they last.

A second model is being developed to determine evaporated droplet nuclei spread.

Abhishek and Bob Mcilvaine then discussed how the model could be used to determine the small droplet and nuclei travel resulting from the initial capture of a large cough or sneeze droplet on the interior surface of a cloth mask. There was agreement of the likelihood that if the large droplet is initially captured in a mask with relatively large pores that small droplets may be generated by further exhalation along with evaporation. The group will be continuing their studies and would be open to funding to investigate this important phenomenon.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/F790vEfB4ws

July 23, 2020 - Interview with Mike Clark of Hollingsworth & Vose on filter media to vanquish COVID

Mike is Division President of High Efficiency and Specialty Filtration. This includes filters with higher than MERV 8 rating. Therefore the high efficiency filter efforts to vanquish COVID are within his group. His experience in cleanrooms provided perspective as he discussed the Mcilvaine concept of treating the world as one big cleanroom with internal space which has various cleanliness levels depending on the needs. Since H&V has products in the cleanest semiconductor and pharmaceutical space it can provide the highest levels of filter efficiency.

H&V manufactures filtration media for N95 respirators, ventilator filtration media and the materials used in surgical hoods. These are the products directly associated with healthcare. Recently it has been determined that much of the virus is transmitted in small aerosols. This means that air filter media in HVAC systems will be a major weapon in the battle H&V has a range of synthetic and microfiber glass media. Electrostatic charging is an option to improve performance for a relatively long period. For MERV 15 filter media for example Nanoweb and glass paper pressure drop is considerably less than standard media. Since upgrading the filtration efficiency of existing HVAC systems while minimizing any fan or HVAC system changes will be attractive the higher performance H&V media will have an advantage.

The company has manufacturing capabilities around the world. It has manufacturing and R&D facilities in China. Mike believes this Chinese capability is an asset. The company sells based on high quality and performance.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/7ZbONOv84pU

July 22, 2020 - Interview with Lloyd Armbrust on efficient masks to vanquish COVID

In this recorded interview Lloyd Armbrust, CEO of Armbrust American, describes his production and software background and his determination to help address the COVID problem. He has set up a mask manufacturing facility in Austin Texas and is gearing up to produce up to 1.6 billion highly efficient masks per year. He already has 7 manufacturing lines in place and believes that within a few months he could expand to meet the goal. He uses equipment which has short lead times such as Chinese Folders. Much of the other equipment is domestically made and readily available.

He has his own meltblown manufacturing capability and is producing the 3 layer SMS media and has his own electrostatic charging system. He is able to achieve a high level of breathability while meeting the BFE requirements. The electrostatic charge can last up to 24 hours. For this reason he believes that inexpensive disposable masks are the best solution.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/4qN1rdBJAF4

July 15, 2020 - Interview with Markus Mϋller of Reicofil on meltblowns

Markus Müller is director of sales with the Reifenhäuser Group. On July 15, 2020 he was interviewed by Bob Mcilvaine and Ross Ardell of the Mcilvaine Company.

Reicofil is a major supplier of non woven production machinery. It is currently supplying one melt blown line per week and one SMS composite line per month. Although some melt blown lines have been built on an urgent basis in less than 4 months after order there is presently a substantial backlog of orders.

Markus explained the complexity in making meltblowns . “We’re talking about fibers where one filament has a diameter of less than one micron, so we are in the nano area,” The media needs to be electrostatically charged. If production is not executed properly this charge can be dissipated. The big challenge is ensuring the uniformity in the media but other aspects such as avoiding oil droplet contamination from compressors are also needed. To insure that the plants are designed to conform with customer needs there is a dedicated manager assigned to each project. A remote center can advise customers relative to the machines once they are in operation. Markus points to failures in meltblown production in China and elsewhere as examples of the difficulty in successfully designing and operating these plants.

In summary electrostatically charged meltblown media in masks is a unique way to achieve capture of small virus particles without excessive pressure drop and reduction in breathability. Reicofil is dedicated to providing the machinery to make meltblowns as well as composite media . Due to the new proof that much of the virus transmission is from small aerosols, the demand for masks with the higher efficiency supplied by meltblowns is exceeding supply. However Reicofil is making a maximum effort to address this need with machinery and processes which will provide reliable products.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/4Q9fr9LX9KQ

June 18, 2020 Mask Policy Webinar is the Basis for Future Analysis and Discussion

This webinar was originally slated as three five-minute speeches and then a one-hour discussion based on a slide deck covering the mask selection issues. Due to the high quality and interest in the three presentations the discussion continued for more than one hour. Bob McIlvaine then provided a 30-minute overview in a separate recording.

To view the three speeches and discussions click here: https://youtu.be/lwVpSB7mkHk

The agenda is displayed at: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/2020-06-18_Webinar/Agenda_for_Mask_Policy_06-18-20.pdf

The presenter power points are also posted.

Wendover Brown Vogmask: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/2020-06-18_Webinar/Covid-19_Tech_Solutions_PPT_Vogmask.pdf

Jerry Fan, Mogul: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/2020-06-18_Webinar/Madaline-face_mask_application.pdf

Jayesh Doshi, eSpin: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/2020-06-18_Webinar/Mcilvaine_MASK%20Webinar_06182020Reduced.pdf

The overview by Bob McIlvaine can be viewed here: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/2020-06-18_Webinar/Mask_Webinar_06-18-20.pdf

Bobs overview recording can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/t38NEZteqgM

A background analysis reviewing all the factors is found at Mask Policy Review

June 11, 2020 - Foot Sanitizer Provides Major Reduction in COVID Transmission

Since our earlier webinar with with PathO3Gen Solutions there have been many more examples of foot sanitizers reducing pathogrens. Hospitals are quantifying the reduction of HAI including coronavirus with sanitizers placed at main entrances and to sensitive areas such as compounding pharmacies. Charlie Rodriguez and Robyn Collins explained why a combination of ozone and UV light makes a foot sanitizer very effective for reducing infections. The sanitizer is finding used in cleanrooms, food manufacturing, restaurants and other facilities To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/2k1_pB21wKw

April 23, 2020 - Hospital Masks and Air Filtration

This webinar hosted by Waterloo Filtration Institute included presentations by 5 people. Tom Justice explained that Hospital HVAC systems are often inadequate and room air purifiers are being employed in Chinese hospitals even in non-critical areas. Bob Burkhead explained that an N95 mask is tested on 0.1 micron particles and not 0.3 microns. So, its efficiency in removing viruses is higher than indicated by the rating. Peter Tsai reported tests which show that electrostatically charged masks retain efficiency when cleaned with H202 or modest heat. Bob Mcilvaine reviewed the large variance in market projections based on variables which are as yet unclear. Masks and filters rather than social distancing are the safest route for return to semi normal life. Stephen Nicholas reported on efficiency requirements for health care facilities which include Merv 14 or HEPA designs for many areas. Gajanan Bhat addressed the subject of face mask media including new membrane developments.

https://a4ab8fba-ca84-491c-aeb8-6ed7eb13ca9f.filesusr.com/ugd/f92d3a_c9f1bb92e781456caae19d15f35e0746.pdf

April 17, 2020 - Nanofiber membranes for masks will be more efficient, comfortable, and available

Mcilvaine publishes daily Coronavirus Market Alerts. This analysis covers nanofiber membrane mask information appearing in the Alerts from April 3 through April 14. Nanofiber membrane media for masks has the following advantages: (1) it is more efficient and can capture more viruses (2) it has lower pressure drop than the typical N95 mask with meltblowns (e) the media is readily available for production where as melt blown media is in short supply. Cummins and Dupont have teamed to provide masks using Dupont membrane technology. The U.S army research shows a large number of potential media suppliers. Fibertex and HyFiber are also su0ppliers. Several Chinese companies are making masks with membrane media and have demonstrated high efficiency after 10 washings. Purafil has an anti microbial fiber. Wallace Leung provided an update on nanofiber mask research in Hong Kong. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/4vzWwNw6Al4

April 8, 2020 - Coronavirus Market Intelligence

Suppliers of filters, media, masks, instrumentation, and destruction technology are faced with short term decisions with long term consequences when pursuing the market created by COVID-19. The rapid changes in the market dictate continuous and accurate forecasting. This service meets these urgent needs with Daily Alerts, continually updated forecasts of the markets impacted by the coronavirus plus analysis of the technology. Continually updated forecasts are provided for masks, air filters, filter media, decontamination and monitoring. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKEDhzUJyk4&feature=youtu.be

April 2, 2020 - Mask Design and Reuse

Five world experts from three countries made presentations regarding new filter media using nanofibers with higher efficiency and other advantages over the traditional spun bond/ meltblown laminate combination. Ways to efficiently decontaminate and reuse masks using H2O2 and UV torches were also examined. The present and future production of mask media in China and other countries was also covered. View this 100 minute webinar at: https://youtu.be/V2oEX0PgnTg

March 26, 2020 - Coronavirus Masks, Filters and Decontamination

Important issues such as virus airborne transmission and size were discussed by several experts. New filter media technology for masks which is more efficient than SMS was examined. Trends toward stylish N95 masks in China were reviewed. The need for room air purifiers in apartment buildings with sick tenants was also addressed. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/MttSotStbyE

March 13, 2020 - Face Masks and Respirators World Market

Presentation by McIlvaine analysts on the revenue increases caused by the pandemic. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz6Y3pJSmcI

March 13, 2020 Air Filtration and Purification World Markets with Coronavirus Supplement

The coronavirus will radically change the short term air filter market but will also have a major long term effect. More efficient filters will be installed at existing facilities and there will be many new applications and technology. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b182d30y9SE&feature=youtu.be

Filters and HVAC Webinars

Air Filter Market and Supplier Program

A big investment in high efficiency filters and room air purifiers will be the best way to fight COVID. A comprehensive program has detailed market forecasts and technology analysis to establish the true cost of each alternative. Click here to view a video description or Click here for the power point display.

September 10, 2020 - Filters and HVAC Choices to Mitigate COVID

This 90 minute webinar covered choices to filter the air in buildings and vehicles using the most cost effective products and technologies. The benefits include protection from air pollutants as well as viruses. Christine Sun of Waterloo Filtration Institute outlined the potential benefits. Bob Mcilvaine provided evidence that most COVID transmission is through small aerosols. Some of these aerosols are generated when larger droplets are only temporarily captured by inefficient masks and filters.

Bob Burkhead of Blue Heaven Technologies then described the testing rig which could be adapted to test filter efficiency over time and not just measure what is temporarily captured. This rig allows recirculation of up to 1000 cfm and can measure degradation of meltblown media over time, ozone levels when ionizers are utilized, and other contaminants which need to be assessed over time. Barry Kellar, Saru Dawar, and Uwe Haffner of Freudenberg talked about the needs in vehicles where conditions are rapidly changing. The company is addressing the potential for aerosols generated from surfaces as well as directly from people and has an efficient filtration system which includes a surface layer of a proprietary citric acid compound which inactivates the virus. Freudenberg recognizes the role of very fine particles (smaller than 0.3 microns) and is looking at capture rates on activated carbon due to diffusion. There was a brief discussion on the potential to spray citric acid in the vehicle interior similar to the Purdue concept of spraying food dyes into classrooms. Bob Mcilvaine then summarized market aspects such as the much higher efficiency of H13 filters than MERV 16 in capturing small particles and virus. The decision on which product to choose is enhanced by a value system which takes into account lives saved and sickness reduced compared to the economic and life quality costs.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/kmtLmYYLuqw

To view PowerPoint Slides Click here: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/Air_Filter_Webinar_2020-09-10.pdf

August 5, 2020 - Safe Buildings Interview with Tyler Smith of Johnson Controls

Tyler is General Manager - Controls Specialty Products at Johnson Controls and is in a unique position to evaluate ways to keep buildings safe. When Mcilvaine cited the impressive Johnson Controls program at a Wuhan hospital Tyler cited this as an example of the world wide reach and the ability to quickly deliver in an emergency. Later on in the interview Tyler introduced the subject of schools in the U.S. which are now trying to open but in many ways are experiencing the same level of urgency and need the Wuhan hospitals did in January.

Tyler cited the value of focusing on those who are speaking and therefore potentially generating more virus than others. This differs by grade level. Johnson Controls has room air purifiers which can be an immediate solution. ENVIRCO fan filter units are another option for obtaining HEPA filtered downflow air economically covering a space. This is in addition to the following

MERV 13 filters have been found to be of sufficient efficiency for many applications. However, through its Koch Filter division Johnson Controls offers higher efficiency filters through HEPA.
York Air Handling Units: To reduce airborne pathogens within a building, mixed-air HVAC systems should focus on increasing outdoor air ventilation. York air handling units allow customers to maximize outside air to displace contaminated air and increase ventilation and air change rates.

Critical Environment Controls: Room pressurization, air change rates, humidity, and temperature are equally as important components in reducing airborne contaminants and preventing cross contamination within schools and buildings as they once were just for the healthcare and laboratory facilities. The Johnson Controls line of Critical Environment Controls includes the broadest suite of products in the industry.
UV-C Lighting: Disinfectant lighting solutions are necessary to reduce pathogens both on surfaces and in the air. Johnson Controls offers a comprehensive suite of disinfecting lighting products, including retrofit options to keep facility disruptions and installation costs to a minimum. Bipolar ionization is another technology which is being evaluated presently.

By integrating HVAC, lighting and security systems into a single digital platform like Johnson Controls Metasys® building automation system, building owners and operators can easily troubleshoot issues and implement system changes.

Tyler pointed out that the system can provide the right balance between energy consumption and safety. In areas with higher virus loads more efficient filters can be utilized and the number of air changes can be increased. More outside air can be used to dilute the virus load. But this brings up the subject of the contaminant burden in outside vs indoor air. In polluted areas the particulate load from outside air will be significant.

The advantage which schools and building owners experience with Johnson Controls is the local assistance from 120 branch locations in North America with 13,600 field technicians and mechanics.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/6D-bu3MZ5bQ

July 23, 2020 - Interview with Mike Clark of Hollingsworth & Vose on filter media to vanquish COVID

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/7ZbONOv84pU

July 15, 2020 - qlAir interviewed on holistic approach to providing clean air solutions for COVID

Ellie Amirnasr and Marcel Schoch are spearheading a holistic approach to provide clean air as a service. The new requirement to address COVID makes this effort even more important. qlAir is an entity within Mann + Hummel . The company name is pronounced as Claire.

The holistic approach includes sensors and monitoring, problem identification solutions, and then continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the solution . A big potential for balancing air quality management, equipment maintenance and energy savings lies within broader use of sensors, data analytics and IoT (Internet of Things). Continuous air quality monitoring can be used to identify critical areas and patterns in indoor air quality and to select appropriate mitigation solutions. Combined with tracking and analyzing filter performance over time and the usage of an optimized ventilation schedule based on real data.

Ellie and Marcel explained how measurement of particles, CO2, humidity and other air constituents can be the basis for providing COVID mitigaton solutions which balance effectiveness and cost. The use of the approach in a mall was discussed. The degree of social distancing and the percentage of outside air in a given space can be determined based on CO2 content. An actual case history in a hospital was used as an example. The problem was VOC reduction but the approach would be the same for COVID minimization.

To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/T0HJF5MVDU0

July 9, 2020 - Interview with Nathaniel Nance of AAF Flanders on COVID mitigation with a holistic air treatment concept

Nathaniel Nance is now AAF Flanders Vice President of Global R&D-HVAC. He has been with AAF Flanders since 2008. He was interviewed by Bob Mcilvaine and Ross Ardell from the Mcilvaine Company. Nathaniel espouses a holistic concept which encourages collaboration among filtration experts, universities, HVAC companies, contractors, regulators and local governments to mitigate COVID and improve the air we breathe. He points out that a glass of dirty air and a glass of clean air look the same. What we do not see are the range of pollutants which exist. COVID adds to the challenge. There are good, better and best filter options at every efficiency level. The best have the lowest energy consumption and longest life. Membranes have efficiency and strength advantages over micro fiber glass. He calls for a city wide filtration concept to harness the local winds. As part of Daikin, the largest air conditioning company in the world, AAF Flanders is in a unique position to provide holistic answers.
To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/3nqNhOwBHuQ

May 1, 2020 - CRI Fan Filter Units for Hospitals and Industry

Tim Werkema and Bret Asper of Cleanrooms International discussed the recent activity in converting hospital rooms to negative pressure isolation units using their fan filter units. The units are supplied with wheels for convenient temporary installation. They can be used without ductwork or with a duct through the wall or a window to the outside. The units have variable speed drives and air flow can be controlled. The company was able to meet the sudden demand by hospitals for thousands of these units. The 2 ft x 4 ft HEPA filter is efficient at removing viruses. The company is equipped to meet the rising demand in meat processing and other industries as well as in healthcare. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/Bm3_Q0a0r2E

April 23, 2020 - Hospital Masks and Air Filtration

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April 17, 2020 - Nanofiber membranes for masks will be more efficient, comfortable, and available

April 8, 2020 - Coronavirus Market Intelligence

April 2, 2020 - Mask Design and Reuse

March 26, 2020 - Coronavirus Masks, Filters and Decontamination

March 13, 2020 Air Filtration and Purification World Markets with Coronavirus Supplement

Other Technologies Webinars

The next Other Technologies webinar is scheduled for 10:00am CDT October 1, 2020. To register click here

This webinar will continue the analysis created in previous webinars which you can view below

June 11, 2020 - Foot Sanitizer Provides Major Reduction in COVID Transmission

April 23, 2020 - Hospital Masks and Air Filtration

https://a4ab8fba-ca84-491c-aeb8-6ed7eb13ca9f.filesusr.com/ugd/f92d3a_c9f1bb92e781456caae19d15f35e0746.pdf

April 17, 2020 - Nanofiber membranes for masks will be more efficient, comfortable, and available

April 8, 2020 - Coronavirus Market Intelligence

April 2, 2020 - Mask Design and Reuse

March 26, 2020 - Coronavirus Masks, Filters and Decontamination

March 24, 2020 - Foot Sanitizer for Cost Effective HAI and COVID-19 Reduction

A discussion with PathO3Gen Solutions executives relative to the reduction of HAI including coronavirus at hospitals, pharmaceutical, food manufacturers as well as public places. Charlie Rodriguez and Robyn Collins explained why a combination of ozone and UV light makes a foot sanitizer very effective for reducing infections. To view this YouTube recording click here: https://youtu.be/qxcnV7Z6I9g

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