Reliable face masks, having features like high filtration efficiency with respect to sub micron sized particulate matter, comfortable breathing, low cost etc. are in huge demand due to Covid-19 pandemic, having highly contagious virus spread. BARC has developed a High Quality Respiratory Face mask using indigenously developed glass filter media (HEPA) at a nominal price and is very useful for medical professionals and patients. The developed glass filter media serves as an import substitute and is a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

1. High Particulate filtration efficiency : > 95 % for 0.3 micron size particles Meeting the codal requirements

1. Comfortable breathing
2. Excellent sealing / leak proof
3. Light weight
4. Oil resistant
5. Environment friendly
6. Cost effective
7. Reusable through temperature sterilisation
8. Compliant to international standards for mask testing

The situation arisen due to Covid-2019 has provided a novel method to avoid contagious disease transmissions. It has been observed that usage of face masks has helped to contain the spread of the disease. As a mandate of Atmanirbhar Bharat, an indigenous technology for glass fiber based face mask, developed at BARC, will be useful to various industries. The developed mask has very high particulate filtration efficiency. The other important features like oil resistance and environment friendly are also part of the developed mask design. These are made up of an optimized combination of porous synthetic media, glass media and polypropylene (40 GSM) and have been prepared using automated ultrasonic sealing methods. These are reusable through heat treatment or irradiation and so waste generation is minimal. Authenticity of these masks is based on the testing and approval by the international / national standard agencies like NIOSH and SITRA.

Glass fiber media has been used as a filtering medium. The filter media mainly works on following three mechanisms-

1. Inertial impaction
2. Interception
3. Diffusion

The technology of High Quality Respiratory Face Mask uses specially designed Glass fiber (HEPA) media developed by BARC. It meets parameters such as low breathing resistance, high tensile strength, very high particulate filtration efficiency, oil resistant and environmental compatibility. Figs 1 & 2 show mask media manufacturing and configuration.

1. High particulate air filtration.
2. Easy breathe
3. Excellent sealing / leak proof
4. Light weight
5. Oil resistant
6. Reusable through temperature sterilisation
7. Cost effective
8. Made through automated process
9. Compliant to available international standards for mask testing

These indigenously developed masks have been tested as per national and international standards and were found to have filtration efficiency ≥ 95% for bacterial and particulate matter removal. All parameters like breathing resistance, splash resistance and differential pressure have been tested and approved by NIOSH and SITRA agencies.

1. Useful for safe breathing in polluted air environment like mining / automobile industry
2. Suitable for medical professionals and other critical patients
3. Very useful in preventing the spread of contagious diseases like corona, flu, tuberculosis etc.

INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Space

1. Approximately 1000sq feet space will be required to set up the assembly facility (dust proof with controlled temperature (25±1°C) and humidity (<55%) with continuous electricity)

Facilities required

1. Automated manufacturing set up
   1. Equipments such as rollers, conveyors, for sandwiching media to provide shape of the face mask.
   2. Universal sealing machines for providing effective sealing on the joints
2. BIS approved test set up (Optional)
   1. Particulate efficiency and pressure drop test
   2. Fit factor test (to check sealing or leakage)
   3. Bacterial efficiency test set up
3. Packaging facility for packing of face masks

MANPOWER REQUIREMENT

1. Three skilled workers, One Supervisor (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering).