Information Disclosure Site → Japanese version
An International Project for Saving the World from COVID-19
has just been launched with the Japanese government funding!
International Research Collaboration Project
Development of Low-Cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and
Operational Tests in Hospitals in Cebu City, Philippines
Press Release (Onsite & Zoom)
Date & Time: Friday 18th March 14:00-16:00 (Philippines time, GMT+8)
Meeting Style: Onsite & Online (Zoom)
Details: URL to the material will be shown here after the press release
Issue number：21KK0080
Promotion of Joint International Research, KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research for FY2021)
Amount: 18,980,000JPY, Period: Oct 2021 – Mar 2024 (2.5 years)
[Summary]
Based on the low-cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirator(PAPR) (helmet type, booth type) that has been developed by us, new PAPRs, which are suitable for use in Philippines and other countries in the Southeast Asia, will be developed under the cooperation of Philippines, Singapore and Japan researchers.
The PAPRs will be tested in hospitals and universities in Cebu City, Philippines, which suffers from the world-longest lockdown. The PAPRs will be raised to a level that perfectly and comfortably protect medical workers at high risk.
Low-cost, comfortable, easy-to-use PAPRs with high shielding rate for aerosols, which are suitable for daily use by the medical workers and also by the general public, will be developed. Usage-rate monitoring system, which collects the operational conditions of each PAPR through the Internet, will also be developed.
A social system (with PAPRs and the monitoring system), which can quickly resolve the infection without lockdown even when the acquisition of herd immunity through the vaccination is not in time, will be proposed.
[Background]
Among the COVID-19 infection routes, contact infection and oral infection are relatively easy to prevent by enforcing hand washing and food hygiene management. Droplet infection can be prevented by securing a social distance and wearing a mask. At present, airborne infection is considered to be the main infection route, which is difficult to prevent [1,2].
[1] Christie Aschwanden , “Five reasons why COVID herd immunity is probably impossible”, Nature 591, 520-522 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00728-2
[2] Dyani Lewis , “COVID-19 rarely spreads through surfaces. So why are we still deep cleaning?”, Nature 590, 26-28 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00251-4
If each citizen always uses a high-performance PAPR that completely shields droplets and aerosols, it is thought that airborne infection can be completely stopped. As high-performance wearable PAPRs, there are medical PAPRs [3] and industrial PAPRs. These are expensive and are only used in special environments. These should be improved to those suitable for daily use by the general public by reducing the cost and improving the wearing comfort while maintaining sufficient performance. We have developed a helmet-type PAPR prototype to show that an inexpensive, lightweight, high-performance device can be realized. [4]
[3] “What are Air-Purifying Respirators?”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[4] Y. Fujii and A. Takita, " Personal respiratory air purification device (helmet-type): Distancing-Free Mask (Prototype No.5)", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.1-5, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a001.pdf
[Prototype]
We have developed some prototypes of PAPR (helmet-type and booth type) as shown in Figure.1.
The features and specifications of the helmet-type PAPR prototype [4] (shown in Figure 1 (a)) are as follows.
[a] This is a helmet-type PAPR with an airtight structure, which is based on a light work helmet and is composed of a transparent vinyl sheet and a transparent vinyl chloride sheet.
[b] The outside air purified by a pump and a high-performance non-woven fabric filter (99.97% shielding of fine particles down to 0.3 μm) is supplied to the inside of the helmet.
[c] The air inside is exhausted through a non-woven fabric filter (99% shielding of fine particles down to 0.1 μm) due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside.
[d] The target differential pressure can be set and the flow rate, differential pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration (internal and external) can be monitored via Bluetooth on a smartphone and PC.
[e] The total weight is approximately 800g, including the battery that enables continuous operation for about 5 hours.
[f] The total cost of parts for the prototype is about $ 210. It would be reduced to about $ 90 by mass production.
Figure 1. The developed prototypes of PAPRS Figure 2. PAPR to be developed
For an example, we will develop a face-shield-type PAPR with opening/closing mechanism as shown in Figure 2.
[Proposed Social System]
We propose a social system that has the ability to reliably converge infection without lockdown in situations where the acquisition of herd immunity through vaccination is not in time, as shown below.
[A] Distribute helmet-type PAPRs to all citizens.
[B] If there is concern about the spread of infection, the government do the following.
[B.1] Estimate the effective reproduction number Rt at that time.
[B.2] Set the target of the effective reproduction number Rt_target.
[B.3] The "Required Usage-Rate Ur_required" required to realize the target effective reproduction number Rt_target is calculated by solving the equation, which is derived based on appropriate assumptions.
[C] Show Ur_required and oblige all citizens to fulfill it. However, citizens who can prove that they have sufficient immunity might be exempted.
[D] Watch the transition of the effective reproduction number, and if the target is unlikely to be achieved, raise Ur_required. On the other hand, if the results exceed the target, Ur_required will be reduced to increase the freedom of life of the citizens.
[E] Even if the estimation of Ur_required is greatly wrong and the worst situation occurs, the spread of infection can be stopped promptly at any time simply by setting Ur_required to 100%. Therefore, various trials can be performed with a margin.
In order to surely implement the above [C], it will be effective to build a "Usage-rate Net Management System" linked with a smartphone, which has a function to measure and certify each person's "Usage-rate Ur ". This system can prove if each citizen is fulfilling the obligation of "Required Usage-rate Ur_required ". Within the condition of fulfilling obligation, each citizen can be given a right to freely select "opportunity for interpersonal contact without using the devices", for example, "restaurant" or "party".
As a simple example of the definition of "Usage-rate Ur ", “Ratio of device wearing time to outing time” can be considered. Instead of this definition, it could be defined as the "estimated value of the number of viruses inhaled by respiration a day", which is estimated from the estimated value of the virus concentration in the surrounding environment and the estimated value of the virus shielding rate of PAPR.
In the future, when a PAPR device with excellent comfort is developed and released and becomes available at a low price, many people might want to breathe purified clean air using the device, regardless of the request from the government. A society, in which many people always seek "purified air" as well as “purified water” and use personal PAPRs, is extremely resistant to all airborne infectious diseases.
[Research Plan]
We will try to answer the following 2 questions.
[A] Can low-cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) (helmet-type and booth-type), which are suitable for use in hospitals by the medical workers and for use in daily life by the general public in Philippines, be developed?
[B] Can a society, which can quickly converge the infection without any lockdown, be created by the spread of low-cost PAPRs?
In Cebu City, Philippines, based on strong local requests, with the cooperation of local universities (Cebu Technological University(CTU) and University of San Carlos (USC)) and academic societies (Philippines Society of Mechanical Engineers, Lapu-lapu Chapter), Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) (helmet type, booth type) will be improved so that they are suitable for use in hospitals by the medical workers. The usage-rate Network Management System, which monitors the operational conditions of each PAPR, will be developed.
Problems of the prototypes will be investigated by conducting operational tests at universities (Cebu Technological University (CTU) and University of San Carlos (USC)), three hospitals (Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC), University of Cebu Medical Center, and Perpetual Succour Hospital). We will make further improvements on the prototypes, so that the medical workers at high risk can be effectively and comfortably protected.
Through joint research at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, which has high development capabilities, we will carry out joint research to raise the above prototypes to the commercialization level in a form suitable for Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines.
In parallel with prototype development and verification experiments, we will try to commercialize prototypes in the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan. Then, we will try to spread it in the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia and put it into practical use as a social system.
The Japanese members will stay in Philippines and in Singapore and carry out joint research to develop a highly practical prototypes that match the actual situation in Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia. Through the commercialization and popularization of prototypes (PAPR and Usage-rate Network Management System), we will try make a great contribution to the measures against COVID-19 in the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia. We will propose a novel social system with strong resistance to COVID-19 all over the world.
[Research Schedule/Time-table]
FY2021(Oct 2021 – Mar 2022)
The followings will be conducted in Philippines, Singapore and Japan.
[1] The prototypes of helmet-type low-cost PAPR “Distancing-Free Mask” and booth-type low-cost PAPR “Distancing-Free Booth” will be developed. They will be tested in the universities and/or the hospitals.
[2] Development of interchangeable filter unit.
[3] Development of monitoring and operating functions for operation parameters on smartphones.
[4] Weight reduction of helmet-type PAPR (reexamination of structural materials, combined use of waist battery).
[5] Perform aerodynamic design. In particular, optimization of air supply and exhaust flow inside the helmet and booth. Optimization of the pump, fan, and filter configurations. This suppresses the increase in carbon dioxide concentration at a smaller flow rate.
[6] Strength evaluation and acoustic design are performed. For the booth-type PAPR, strength is evaluated by fluid = structural coupled analysis. Strength design to withstand impacts that occur in daily life.
FY2022 & 2023 (Apr 2022 – Mar 2024)
The followings will be conducted in Philippines, Singapore and Japan.
[1] Development of prototypes with excellent maintainability. Development of low-cost prototypes that omit sensors and controls based on CO2 concentration evaluation. Tests/evaluations at universities and hospitals.
[2] Development of a net management system (= centralized management system for detecting abnormalities such as wearing rate, CO2 concentration rise and pressure drop (leakage)). Tests and evaluations at universities and hospitals.
[3] Development of prototype that is suitable for hot and humid climates, has a good fit, is lightweight, and has excellent design. Tests and evaluations at universities and hospitals.
[4] Development of high-performance models.
We will develop low-cost PAPRs (helmet-type and booth type) suitable for the Philippines, Singapore, and Southeast Asian countries. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the construction of a society that does not require lockdown against COVID-19 and the construction of a robust social infrastructure against COVID-19.
[Members, and their roles]
[Japan]
Prof. Yusaku Fujii, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Principal researcher.
Prof. Seiji Hashimoto, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Control algorithm, tests in Cebu.
Prof. Haruo Kobayashi, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Reliability of Electronic circuit.
Prof. Kenji Amagai, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Visualization of flow field, Optimization of fluid elements.
Prof. Takao Yamaguchi, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Acoustic characteristics.
Prof. Naoya Ohta, PhD (Professor, Gunma University): Design/concept for spread as a social system.
Prof. Noriaki Yoshiura, PhD (Professor, Saitama University): Usage-rate network management system.
Prof. Akihiro Takita, PhD (Associate Professor, Gunma University): Network, Simple model, Programing.
Prof. Anna Kuwana, PhD (Assistant Professor, Gunma University): Optimization of electronic circuit, Simulation of flow field.
Prof. Ayako Yano, PhD (Assistant Professor, Gunma University): 3D measurement of flow field, optimization of flow field, dulability test.
[Philippines]
Prof. Ronald M. Galindo (Cebu Technological University, Dean/Associate Professor): Management, development, evaluation/test of the prototypes in Cebu Technological University (CTU)．
Tabetha Saceda Galindo, M.D. (Chairman, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC)): Management and evaluation/test of the prototype system in Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC).
Prof. Edwin Carcasona, PhD (University of San Carlos, Former Professor): Management, development, evaluation/test of the prototypes in Philippines Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME), Lapu-lapu chapter．
Prof. Ethelda Magalang, M.D. (Assistant Professor, Cebu Doctor’s College of Medicine): Management and evaluation/test of the prototype system in Perpetual Succour Hospital and/or University of Cebu Medical Center.
l Tests/evaluations of the prototypes in a hospital will be conducted after the safety of the devices and system are confirmed by the hospital’s strict and careful considerations.
[Singapore]
Prof. Dongwei Shu, PhD (Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University): Management, development, evaluation/test of the prototypes in Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
[Publications related to the project]
(1) Y. Fujii, A. Takita and S. Hashimoto, "A Helmet Type Mask “Distancing-Free Mask”: An Engineering Solution that Eliminates the Lockdown", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.3, No.3, pp.1-7, 2020.
(2) S. Xu, Y. Cao, S. Hashimoto, Y. Fujii, A. Takita and W. Jiang, “Control design applicable to a helmet type full-face mask”, Journal of Technology and Social Science, Vol.4, No.3, pp.24-30, 2020.
http://jtss.e-jikei.org/issue/archives/vol04-no03/4-A108/JTSS_A108.pdf
(3) Y. Fujii, A. Takita and S. Hashimoto, "An engineering approach for fighting COVID-19; Pseudo herd immunity through the complete spread of the helmet-type masks", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.1, pp.1-5, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n01/JMEIS_v04n01a001.pdf
(4) Y. Fujii and A. Takita, " Personal respiratory air purification device (helmet-type): Distancing-Free Mask (Prototype No.5)", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.1-5, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a001.pdf
(5) Y. Fujii and A. Takita, " Booth-type of Personal Respiratory Air Purification Device: Distancing-Free Booth (Prototype No.1)", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.6-12, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a002.pdf
(6) R. M.
Galindo, A. Takita, E. Carcasona,
E. Magalang, T. S. Galindo, S. Hashimoto, T.
Yamaguchi, E. U. Tibay, D. W. Shu, H. Kobayashi, K. Amagai, N. Ohta, N. Yoshiura, A. Kuwana, A. Yano and
Y. Fujii, “Low-Cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) “Distancing-Free
Mask Frontline (DFM-F) Prototype No.1” for the Operational Tests in Hospitals
in Cebu City, Philippines”, Journal of Mechanical and Electrical
Intelligent System, Vol.5, No.2, pp.1-6, 2022.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v05n02/JMEIS_v05n02a001.pdf
(7) E. Carcasona, R. M. Galindo, A. Takita,
E. Magalang, T. S. Galindo, S. Hashimoto, T.
Yamaguchi, E. U. Tibay, D. W. Shu, H. Kobayashi, K. Amagai, N. Ohta, N. Yoshiura, A. Kuwana, A. Yano and
Y. Fujii, “Very-Low-Cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
“Distancing-Free Mask Industry (DFM-I) Prototype No.1” and Proposal for a
Lockdown-Free Industry”, Journal of Technology and Social Science,
Vol.6, No.2, pp.1-4, 2022.
http://jtss.e-jikei.org/issue/archives/v06n02/JTSS_v06n02a001.pdf
[Patents]
(1) Japanese Paten Application 2020-113097.
(2) Japanese Paten Application 2020-177304.