Portfolio News and Webcast
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have determined that heating N95 respirators up to 75 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes deactivates a surrogate coronavirus without compromising the device’s fit and its ability to filter airborne particles.
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and their colleagues who help them commercialize technologies have won three national technology transfer awards this year. The trio of awards, from the Federal Laboratory Consortium represent the most national awards that LLNL has ever won in one year’s competition over the past 36 years.
Protective Equipment Technologies
Protective equipment has always been central to keeping our military, first responders and medical personnel safe. The COVID-19 pandemic is a sobering reminder of the importance of such equipment and the need for improvements. A team lead by LLNL has developed a smart, breathable fabric designed to be incorporated into a garment in small patches to protect the wearer against biological and chemical warfare agents. Material of this type could also be used in clinical and medical settings.
A ceramic HEPA filter designed to meet commercial and DOE requirements, as well as to minimize upgrade installation logistics for use in existing facilities. Current key performance requirements are described in DOE Standard 3020. The ceramic filter is designed to be nonflammable, corrosion resistant, and compatible with high temperatures and moisture. The ceramic filter will significantly increase filter life span and reduce life cycle costs, and open up new opportunities for overall process gas system and ventilation system design.