Air Purification Snorkel

Given the current pandemic crisis, a friend of mine suggested that we try to adapt a diving snorkel as a PPE for medical personal. The idea is to create a positive pressure inside the mask that cover the whole face. Using a power bank as our energy source to drive a 5V blower fan, a 6015 fan in this design, we managed to create a good enough ventilation for the wearer to breath comfortably.

While the subject of using handheld vacuum HEPA filter is still debatable, this filter can be easily obtained and does not restrict the flow too much. The filter supposed to filter out particulates of size bigger than 0.3 micron by about 99.99%. While the virus by itself is smaller at about 0.125 micron, it will have to piggy back on fluid excreted from the patient, usually about the size of 3-5 micron. So we hope this apparatus will be of some value given the current situation.

The design split the fan casing from the nozzle attachment. This way others can try to adapt the fan casing unit to other types of snorkels in the market, as we found out from our survey that they all have their own design of the snorkel attachment. I have attached the cross section details and dimensions of the fan case unit so you can easily create the adapter that fit both the fan case and the snorkel.

Last, please feel free to give constructive comment on our work. We are currently working on another device, also utilizing diving snorkel, but instead of HEPA filter we will be using medical/industrial grade filters. That will require much bigger fan, stronger power source, and more supporting equipment. For now we hope this APS concept will inspire others.

Best,
Somroj

PS: This version of the STL models put the power line hole to the side, as suggested by my colleague. The models in the photos are of previous design that has hole in the back, which is kinda protruding too much.