Face Mask Manufacture An introduction to the application

Face Mask Manufacture An introduction to the application of static generation during the face mask manufacturing process

The Urgent Requirement Face masks have always been an important piece of PPE equipment, especially in the medical sector. However, now more than ever, face masks are in critical need and their quality is relied upon for the health and safety of both the wearer and others. As manufacturers boost their output across the world to meet demand, they are looking to Meech static generation equipment to combat issues they have been facing:

Particle Filtration Issues The performance of the filtration is paramount to the face masks / respirators, especially within medical applications. However, many imported face masks are not suitably complying to the set N 95 standards*. This may lead to further issues: • • • Puts wearers at increased risk Product rejection Decreased repeat purchase For a mask/respirator to comply to N 95 standards, the mask must filter 95% of airborne particles.

Application: Melt Blow Fibre Line The diagram below shows a basic set-up of the production line for filter material used in N 95, N 98 and N 99 face coverings/masks:

Applying Static : Melt Blow Fibre To ensure the material meets the correct filtration specification, a static charges needs to be applied to the fibres during the production process. As the material goes down the line, passing between the static generator bar and the earthed roller, the material absorbs and holds the static charge. This embedded charge will help to extract contaminants from the air as it passes through the material of the face covering, trapping the contamination and allowing clean, filtered air to pass through. The higher the charge retention in the material, the greater the filtration potential. A negative charge will draw positive energy from the ground source, allowing the system to charge the material between.

Evaluating System Performance The diagram and chart below demonstrates the filtration efficiency when considering material thicknesses and charge polarity, using both optical and photometer analysis. This helps to demonstrate the benefits static generation within the process. Sample No Basis Weight Charging Voltage Surface charge potential Face Screen Filtration Efficiency (%) Latex Na. CI G/m 2 (KV) (V) control charged 1 20 33 128 -142 47 90. 6 28 72 2 35 33 212 -226 65 98. 2 38 87 3 100 33 315 -336 94 99. 93 76 98. 9 4 20 -33 -135 112 47 89. 4 28 69 5 35 -33 -224 196 65 98. 5 38 86 6 100 -33 -398 322 94 99. 96 76 99. 1 Face = Face side of the fabric Screen = Screen side of the fabric

Repeated Charging: Melt Blow Fibre A high 50 k. V charge from one side will charge the material, but considering the hollow structure of the material, the charge will pass straight through the material to the earth point. Repeated charging of both sides of the material at 30 k. V allows the fibres to ‘build’ a charge within the fibres to a higher retaining level than is achievable when trying to saturate the material with a single 50 k. V charge. Thicker materials benefit from charge retention as there is more insulation for the charge to penetrate before reaching the earthed metal.

Optimising System Performance A static meter can be used to evaluate and maximise the level of charge being applied to the material. Testing can be performed using a supercapacitor additive at different %, with the system in the following status: • • System off One bar, single-sided Two bars, double-sided Four bars, double-sided Using the meter with a single layer will produce a comparable reading, allowing the system to be optimised.

Installation & Maintenance To maintain the high level of charges being applied to the material, static generator bars must be maintained. Fibres from the material may drop onto the pins of the bars, this will then carbonise, risking damage to the bar and/or reducing the performance. Mounting the bars to protect the pins and allowing position and distance adjustment, will provide optimum performance is achieved.

Meech Solutions - Static Generators - Generator Bars - Power Supplies

Hyperion Ion. Charge 50 (75 W) We have developed a new range of Hyeperion Ion. Charge high-voltage generators, designed for use in applications that require temporary bonding between materials. These new generators replace our popular 992 v 3 30 k. V and 992 v 3 50 k. V high voltage generators with improved functionality. There are two models available: • Ion. Charge 30 (15 W) • Ion. Charge 50 (75 W) Ion. Charge 30 (15 W)

Hyperion Ion. Charge Development Our extensive knowledge of the market and static generation applications, combined with our mission to optimise our customers’ productivity has led to the development and launch of the Ion. Charge family of static generators with additional benefits: • Hyperion Technology • Performance Improvements • 5” Colour Touchscreen Interface • Perforation & Hole Detection • Realtime Information Display • Smart. Control Connectivity • Option for Industrial Ethernet Network Connectivity for PLC

Ion. Charge 50 (75 W) Features & Benefits • 75 W power output. Provides voltage output range 0 – 50 k. V and current output range 0 – 2. 5 m. A • Independently selectable voltage and current for increased control across a range of applications • Touchscreen interface, for real time information display and choice of 6 languages • Twin high voltage outputs for multiple generator bar connectivity • Remote on/off for machine integration • Perforation & hole detection – for increased functionality in additional applications • Smart. Control and industrial network connectivity (optional) – Improved monitoring & control. Power output distribution graph Green line in the above graph shows the maximum voltage and current for the Ion. Charge 50 (75 W). E. g at the maximum voltage setting of 50 k. V the maximum current is 1. 5 m. A and for voltage settings up to 30 k. V the maximum output current is 2. 5 m. A.

Ion. Charge 50 (75 W): Product Profile Full details of the Ion. Charge 50 can be found on our website, where you can download our product datasheet: https: //meech. com/en/products/static-control/static-generation-equipment/static-generators/hyperion-ioncharge 50 -75 w

For Further Information: - Download our Face Mask Manufacture Guide from our website - Watch our You. Tube Video - Contact your local representative www. meech. com