[Removal of formaldehyde with novel packed air purifier and its computational simulation]

A novel air purifier was designed for the removal of indoor formaldehyde. The air purifier was filled with glass beads (3 mm) coated with TiO2. The removal efficiency of this air purifier was examined in an airtight room. The results showed that 87.0%-93.8% of the formaldehyde was removed for the initial formaldehyde concentration of 0.727-1.815 mg/m3. The reaction rate equation of the air purifier was developed. The simulation of single device of the air purifier suggested the uniformity of the air flow in the device. Besides, a mathematical model to simulate the variation of formaldehyde in a room was constructed, in which there was continuous formaldehyde emission source and the air purifier was operated. The simulation result was also proved by the experimental data. The results revealed that using the air purifier at intervals could steadily keep the formaldehyde concentration below the National Air Quality Standard of China, i.e. 0.1 mg/m3.