A new electrostatic precipitator prototype air filter is showing promising results in removing airborne particles and diseases they carry, but it’s expensive, according to research at the University of Minnesota.
The research team evaluated a commercially-available unit which uses ionized air to electrically charge particles, increasing their weight so they fall out of the airstream and onto collection plates rather than being inhaled by pigs.
The Swine Health Information Center funded the evaluation.
It found the filter is about 99 per cent efficient in removing particles and works better than conventional air filters on sub-micron particles under cooler conditions.
It costs about 25 cents per weaned pig more than conventional air filters.
The filter is made by AMVC Management Services of Audibon, Iowa.
