Fallout radiation filter system, method, and ion-exchange filter

Abstract

A system (100) is provided. The system includes an air inlet (102). The system includes an ion-exchange filter (210, 900) coupled to the air inlet (102) and having a first filter layer (902) separated from a second filter layer (906) by a semi-permeable membrane (904). The semi-permeable membrane (904) is air permeable and water impermeable, the first filter layer (902) is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and the second filter layer (906) comprises an ion-exchange solution. The system (100) includes a liquid ion-exchange media tank (116) coupled to the ion-exchange filter (210, 900) for providing the ion-exchange solution in the second filter layer (906). The system (100) includes an air outlet (214) coupled to the ion-exchange filter (210, 900).

Description

FALLOUT RADIATION FILTER SYSTEM, METHOD, AND ION-EXCHANGE FILTER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Disclosed are embodiments related to a fallout radiation filter system, method, and ionexchange filter.BACKGROUND

[0002] Radioactive fallouts normally occur after nuclear, biological or chemical attacks. There are many examples of nuclear power plants being threatened or melting down due to human error — for example, 3 Mile Island in the U.S., Chernobyl in Ukraine, and Fukushima in Japan. While these are rare instances, there is also the threat of conflict and wars in one area of the world, affecting places on the completely other side of the globe. Jet streams and severe weather fluctuation can spread radioactive particles to places without direct connection to a nuclear power plant. The particulate matter and gaseous radioactive material released into the atmosphere are very’ harmful when inhaled. HEP A air purifiers and other air cleaning systems have been used in an effort to minimize public exposure to radioactive material released into the atmosphere.SUMMARY

[0003] Certain challenged presently exist. For instance, conventional HEP A air purifiers and other air cleaning systems lack the necessary components, configuration, and materials to efficiently and reliably capture and filter out all radioactive particle types and contaminants from the atmosphere and provide contaminant-free treated air.

[0004] The following description presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope thereof.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a system is provided. The system includes an air inlet. The system includes an ion-exchange filter coupled to the air inlet and having a first filter layer separated from a second filter layer by a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution. The system includes a liquid ion-exchange media tank coupled to the ion-exchange filter for providing the ionexchange solution in the second filter layer. The system includes an air outlet coupled to the ionexchange filter.

[0006] According to a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes providing a filtration system having (i) an air inlet; (ii) an ion-exchange filter coupled to the air inlet and having a first filter layer separated from a second filter layer by a semi-permeable membrane, (iii) a liquid ion-exchange media tank coupled to the ion-exchange filter for providing the ion-exchange solution in the second filter layer; and (iv) an air outlet coupled to the ion-exchange filter. The semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution. The method includes facilitating contaminated air to enter the air inlet of the filtration system. The method includes facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the first filter layer of the ionexchange filter of the filtration system, such that the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the first filter layer. The method includes facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the semi-permeable membrane of the ion-exchange filter and come into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer. The ion-exchange solution absorbs and / or adsorbs radiation contaminates, such that after the contaminated air passes through the first filter layer andthe second fiber layer of the ion-exchange filter, the contaminated air is converted to treated air. The method includes facilitating the treated air to pass through the air outlet of the filtration system.

[0007] According to a third aspect, an ion-exchange filter is provided. The ion-exchange filter includes a first filter layer separated from a second filter layer by a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable. The first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution.

[0008] Further variations encompassed within the devices and methods are described in the detailed description of the invention below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a second perspective view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a back view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0014] F igure 5 illustrates a side view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 7 A illustrates a top view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 7B illustrates a bottom view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 8A illustrates a perspective, cross-sectional view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 8B illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-section of a ion-exchange filter according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart of a method according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] While aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms, the following description and accompanying drawings are merely intended to disclose some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter. Accordingly, the subject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments so described and illustrated.

[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other technical terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary' skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If adefinition set forth in this section is contrary' to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications, and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise, as used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0025] This description may use relative spatial and / or orientation terms in describing the position and / or orientation of a component, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof. Unless specifically stated, or otherwise dictated by the context of the description, such terms, including, without limitation, top, bottom, above, below, under, on top of, upper, lower, left of, right of, in front of, behind, next to, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience in referring to such component, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions mentioned in this description are merely representative of an exemplary implementation of a device embodying aspects of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the terms can refer to instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs to a close approximation, such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0028] Embodiments of the fallout radiation filter system, method, and ion-exchange filter disclosed herein can be implemented and used within any environment and disposed, for example, in a home’s or business’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, in a room within a home or business, in a sports arena, concert venue other area trafficked by a large number of people, in a transportation vehicle, such as a plane, ship or bus, or generally anywhere where there is air that can be filtered. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a single room, it should be understood that, the fallout radiation filter system, method, and ion-exchange filter disclosed herein may be beneficial and applicable to entire homes and offices, or even much larger spaces.

[0029] Embodiments of the fallout radiation filter system, method, and ion-exchange filter disclosed herein can be implemented and controlled either by the environment’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system(s), thereby allowing treated air to be distributed throughout a space via the HVAC systeni(s), or can be free-standing without any direct coupling to an HVAC system

[0030] Any two or more embodiments described in this disclosure may be combined in any way with each other. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context, of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary' system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. FIGS. 2-8B show' additional views of the exemplary system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. As shown inFIGS. 1-8B, the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may include an air inlet 102, pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 112. The system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may not include all of these regions, may include different regions, and may include more regions than the ones provided here. The system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may further include a liquid pump 114, a liquid ion exchange media tank 116, and piping 118, 120, 122, 124 coupling the liquid pump 1 14, liquid ion exchange media tank 116, and one or more regions of the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. Piping 124, as shown, is connected to an off-gassing valve, and provides a return line to one or more regions of the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation.

[0032] As shown, the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may include one or more caster wheels 126. Alternatively, the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may be free-standing, without wheels or other means of movement. In some embodiments, the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may include legs, or may be configured to be fixed to the ground, such as by anchors or other fastening means. As shown, the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation is oriented in a generally vertical direction (where the longitudinal or lengthwise direction is generally vertical), but the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may also be oriented in another orientation, such as on its side (where the longitudinal or lengthwise direction is generally horizontal). As shown, there is a housing or series of panels 128 comprising the outside of the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. FIG. 2 shows the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation without the housing or series of panels 128. The housing or series of panels 128 may be a single, continuous structure, or may be made of discrete pieces that are fastened together, e.g. by riveting.

[0033] The air inlet 102 allows air that is to be treated (or filtered) to enter the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. The air inlet 102 may be coupled to an HVAC return, or similarcomponent, such that the air to be treated is received from an HVAC system. Alternatively, air inlet 102 may be open to the environment in which it is in, such that the surrounding air naturally enters into the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. Air inlet 102 may also allow air to enter the device 102 for filtering fallout radiation from some other source.

[0034] The pre-filter region 104 contains a pre-filter 202 (see FIG. 2), such as a filter having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 11 or higher.

[0035] The radiation filter region 106 contains a radiation filter 204 (see FIG. 2), such as a carbon V-bank filter. The filter’s media may include triethylene di-amine (TEDA) impregnated carbon, and may also include coconut. Radiation filter 204 may be designed specifically to filter out radiation (or may simply have that effect). Although a V -bank filter is illustrated, other shapes or types of filters may also be employed.

[0036] The high-pressure blower region 108 contains a blower inlet annulus 206 and a high- pressure blower 208. The blower inlet annulus 206 comprises a plate with an annular opening allowing air to pass through from the radiation filter region 106, through the blower inlet annulus 206, and into the ion-exchange region 110. The blower inlet annulus 206 is shown as having an annular opening but may in general have any shape of opening, or number of openings, to allow air to pass through. The high-pressure blower 208 sucks air from the radiation filter region 106 and blows it into the ion-exchange region 110, creating a negative pressure zone in the (pre-blower) radiation filter region 106 and a positive pressure zone in the (post-blower) ion-exchange region 110.

[0037] The ion-exchange region 110 contains an ion-exchange filter 210. The ion-exchange filter 210 may be an air phase to liquid counter-current ion exchange filter, having a V-bank design with air filters integrated with counter-current liquid filters. The air filter media may includeclinoptiloite, TED A, and borax pentahydrate. For example, the air filter media may include zeolite with boron and optional TEDA mixed media. The liquid media may include clinoptiloite and di calcium hexaborate pentahydrate For example, the liquid media may include zeolite with boron, and an optional TEDA carbon addition as well.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes air inlet 102, pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 1 12, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128. Additionally, fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid ion exchange media tank 116, together with piping 118 and 124. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes air inlet 102, pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 1 12, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128. Additionally, fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid pump 1 14, liquid ion exchange media tank 116, together with piping 118 and 124. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128, and air outlet 214.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes air inlet 102, pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108,ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 112, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128. Additionally, fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid pump 114, liquid ion exchange media tank 116, together with piping 118, 120, 122, and 124. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128, and air outlet 214.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes air inlet 102, pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 112, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128 Additionally, fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid pump 114, liquid ion exchange media tank 116. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128, and air outlet 214.

[0042] FIG, 7A illustrates a top view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid pump 114, liquid ion exchange media tank 116, and air outlet 214.

[0043] FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes liquid pump 114, liquid ion exchange media tank 116, one or more caster wheels 126, and air outlet 214.

[0044] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective, cross-sectional view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiationfilter system 100 includes pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 112, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128, and air outlet 214. Additionally, fallout radiation system 100 includes pre-filter 202, radiation filter 204, blower inlet annulus 206, ion-exchange filter 210, and post-exchange filter 212.

[0045] FIG. 8B illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a fallout radiation filter system according to some embodiments. As shown, and previously described, the fallout radiation filter system 100 includes pre-filter region 104, radiation filter region 106, high-pressure blower region 108, ion-exchange region 110, and post-exchange filter region 1 12, which are enclosed by housing or series of panels 128. Fallout radiation system 100 also includes one or more caster wheels 126, as well as high-pressure blower 208 which, for illustration purposes, is visible through the housing or series of panels 128, and air outlet 214. Additionally, fallout radiation system 100 includes radiation filter 204, blower inlet annulus 206, ion-exchange filter 210, and post-exchange filter 212.

[0046] FIG. 9 further illustrates an ion-exchange filter 900 according to an embodiment. Ionexchange filter 900 is an example of ion-exchange filter 210. As shown, there is an air filter side 902, a semi-permeable membrane 904, and a liquid filter side 906. The liquid filter side 906 includes a fluid inlet 910 and a fluid outlet 912. FIG. 9 shows the cross section of one “V” of a V- bank filter, where corresponding air filter sides 902, semi-permeable membranes 904, and liquid filter sides 906 form approximately the shape of a “V”. Additional filters may be present in the ion-exchange filter 900, forming additional banks of the ion-exchange filter 900. Air flowsdownward (see arrow in FIG. 9) due to the positive pressure zone created by the high-pressure blower 208. On the fluid side, the fluid outlet 912 is under suction, creating negative pressure, and causing the fluid to flow from the fluid inlet 910 to the fluid outlet 912 (see arrows in FIG. 9), in an approximately opposite direction of (or counter current to) the air flow'. The semi-permeable membrane 904 is permeable to air, but impermeable to liquid, such that the air flowing through the ion-exchange region 110 may pass through the semi-permeable membrane 904 to the liquid filter side 906, but the liquid in the liquid filter side 906 may not pass through the semi-permeable membrane 904 to the air-filter side 902. The air filter side 902 may contain a zeolite / carbon / boron airphase mixed media (e.g., clinoptiloite, TEDA, and borax pentahydrate). The liquid filter side 906 may contain a hydronium solution (H?O+) with sodium borate (e.g., Arrheniuos acid molecules and boron).

[0047] With reference to FIG. 1, and as also shown in FIGS 2-8B, the post-exchange filter region 112 may contain a post-exchange filter 212, such as a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEP A) V-'bar;l< filter The location of the post-exchange filter 212 can help the pressurization gradient for the ion-exchange filter 210.

[0048] Liquid pump 114 and liquid ion exchange media tank 116 may be attached to the outside of the housing or series of panels 128, directly or indirectly, such as via brackets that fix the liquid pump 114 and / or liquid ion exchange media tank 116 in place. In other embodiments, liquid pump 114 and / or liquid ion exchange media tank 116 may be inside of the housing or series of panels 128, or may be inside of a different housing or series of panels. Piping 118 connects the liquid pump 114 to the liquid ion exchange media tank, connecting at an outlet side (under pressure) of the pump 114 to (in this embodiment) approximately a bottom of the tank 116. Piping 120 connects the liquid pump 114 to one or more regions of the system 100 for filtering falloutradiation, connecting at an inlet side (under suction) of the pump 114 to (in this embodiment) a fluid outlet manifold on the ion-exchange filter 210. Piping 122 connects the liquid ion exchange media tank 116 to one or more regions of the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation, connecting (in this embodiment) at approximately a top of the tank 1 16 to a fluid inlet manifold on the ionexchange filter 210. The fluid inlet manifold and fluid outlet manifold maintain the counter current provided by the liquid side of the ion-exchange filter 210, and facilitate replenishing the liquid solution of the liquid filter side of the ion-exchange filter 210 via the liquid ion exchange media tank 116.

[0049] Air outlet 214 provides an outlet for the treated air to exit the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation. Air outlet 214 may be coupled to the surrounding environment freely, or may be connected to an HVAC return or similar for distributing the treated air through an HVAC system.

[0050] Air differential gauge 216 can monitor differential pressure within the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation.

[0051] An example of how system 100 for filtering fallout radiation may be used is now described. Other examples of using system 100 for filtering fallout radiation are also possible.

[0052] Contaminated air enters the system 100 for filtering fallout radiation via an air inlet. 102.

[0053] Air passes through a pre-filter 202, such as a MERV 11 or greater prefilter to capture large particles, which may extend the life of all filter media downstream.

[0054] Air is then sucked into a radiation filter 204, such as a carbon V-Bank filter containingTEDA coconut-based carbon. This carbon media may be designed specifically for radiation capture. Using the V-bank design for the carbon bed allows for a deeper carbon bed, with more surface area per area used, and offers a lower restriction to the air, thereby allowing a higher massflow of air with an extended residence time in the carbon media, for better contaminant retention. Each subsequent V-bank arrangement used in this filter system may utilize these same benefits of reduced pressure, higher flow, and increased retention time. The radiation filter 204 (e.g., the carbon V-bank filter) is in a negative pressure (vacuum) zone. This is possible due to it being located on the suction side of the high-pressure blower 208.

[0055] The treated air then enters the blower 208 itself, where it is then pushed under pressure into the next treatment unit, the ion-exchange filter 208, e.g., a Hybrid ION Exchange V-bank section such as described with respect to FIG. 9 and the ion-exchange filter 900. The contaminated air is forced into the air side (e.g., air filter side 902) of the ion-exchange filter 208, whereby it comes into contact with the air media (e.g., media of air filter side 902) within the V-bank media bed. The air media may consist of a blend of clinoptilolite, TED A, and borax pentahydrate (e.g., zeolite, carbon, and boron).

[0056] As air fl ows through the air medi a bed, it comes into contact with the fluid media barrier (e.g , semi-permeable membrane 904) running parallel along each of the V-bank’ s longitudinal length. Here, a one-way membrane is positioned which allows air to pass in one direction, but resists fluid penetration in the other direction. The air is under positive pressure, while the fluid (on the other side of the membrane, e.g., liquid filter side 906) is under negative pressure. This creates a pressure gradient which is more conducive for air transfer into the low pressure ion fluid that is moving through the channels on the liquid side of the fluid media barrier membrane. The ion liquid on the fluid side of the barrier may consist of a solution of hydronium liquid (HsO+) with sodium borate (e.g., Arrhenius acid molecules and water- soluble boron). This solution is preferred for it affinity to bond with and capture the radiation contaminates. The fluid is contained within channels on the V-bank and is under suction. It flows and is directed there evenly (to eachpanel via) an inlet distribution manifold. The fluid is pulled through each panel’s channels via the fluid pumps suction.

[0057] The fluid flow runs in a counter current to the air flow direction (fluid enters each panels channel downstream from the air flow direction, and is pulled past and counter current to the air flow), thereby allowing extended contact time and increasing transfer efficiency. The fluid then exists each channel and into a common exit manifold, where it is brought back to the inlet of the fluid pump 114. The fluid is then pressurized by the pump 114, where it then flows to the ion exchange media tank 116. Here it enters the ion exchange media tank 116 at its bottom, it is distributed evenly into the base of the tank 116 and the fluid flows upwards through the liquid ion media tank’s 116 media bed. This bed may consist of clinoptilolite, dicalcium hexaborate pentahydrate, and TEDA coconut based carbon (e.g., zeolite with water insoluble boron, and TEDA carbon), which all absorb and adsorb radiation contaminates from the fluid.

[0058] Entrapped free air rises to the top of the liquid ion exchange media bed, where it is allowed to escape and vent via a return line (piping 124) back to the air treatment unit via an automatic one way off gassing release valve. The treated air, which has now' been sent through both the air media bed, as well as being polished via the liquid exchange media, then flows out of the ion-exchange filter 210 e.g., via the bottom proportioning vents located at the V-bank vertices (on the air side of the ion-exchange filter 210).

[0059] Here, the air is then pushed through the post-exchange filter 212, such as true HEP A filters under pressure, where any remaining radioactive particles are now captured.

[0060] The post-exchange filter 212, such as the HEP A V-bank filter, is located here in some embodiments purposefully, as the last filtration step, or as a step following the ion-exchange filtering, primarily to ensure any non-captured particulate phase radiation contaminants areproperly captured, as well as prevent any previously captured gas phase radiation that has then subsequently decomposed (while contained within the media beds) into the particulate form that is then released back into the air stream. This ensures capture of all particle types, while also utilizing the pressure side of the blower 208 to force the air though this very restrictive filter media.

[0061] The cleaned air then exits the post-exchange filter 212 and either leaves the system 100 via air outlet 214 directly as contaminant-free treated air, or it could also be plumbed back into the supply side of a dedicated HVAC system for distribution throughout the space.

[0062] The liquid hydronium concentration can be monitored via an oxygen reduction potential (ORP) meter, and be replenished as needed via a connected automatic replenishment system. The HEP A filter loading can be monitored by a differential pressure gauge 216 to help determine replacement time. The boron media used in the air side (e.g., air filter side 902) and liquid side (e.g., liquid filter side 906) are in some embodiments purposely different, so as to use media that is best for use in air, as well as media that is best for liquid use (e.g., insoluble).

[0063] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for purifying a vehicle cabin according to some embodiments. Method 1000 may begin with step si 002

[0064] Step si 002 comprises providing a filtration system having (i) an air inlet; (ii) an ionexchange filter coupled to the air inlet and having a first filter layer separated from a second filter layer by a semi-permeable membrane; (iii) a liquid ion-exchange media tank coupled to the ionexchange filter for providing the ion-exchange solution in the second filter layer, and (iv) an air outlet coupled to the ion-exchange filter. The semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution.

[0065] Step s!004 comprises facilitating contaminated air to enter the air inlet of the filtration system.

[0066] Step s!006 comprises facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the first filter layer of the ion-exchange filter of the filtration system, such that the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the first filter layer.

[0067] Step si 008 comprises facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the semi- permeable membrane of the ion-exchange filter and come into physical contact with the ionexchange solution of the second filter layer. The ion-exchange solution absorbs and / or adsorbs radiation contaminates, such that after the contaminated air passes through the first filter layer and the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter, the contaminated air is converted to treated air.

[0068] Step slOlO comprises facilitating the treated air to pass through the air outlet of the filtration system.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first filter layer comprises zeolite, carbon, and boron. In some embodiments, the first filter layer comprises clinoptilolite, triethelyne di-amine, coconutbased (TEDA) carbon, and borax pentrahydrate. In some embodiments, the ion-exchange solution comprises hydronium liquid (H3O+) with sodium borate (Arrhenius acid molecules and w'ater- soluble boron). In some embodiments, as the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer, the ion-exchange solution moves in a direction counter to a flow of the contaminated air passing through the ion-exchange filter. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a liquid pump coupled to the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter via a pump inlet and to the liquid ion-exchange media tank via a pump outlet, and as the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer, the liquid pump pumps liquid from the second filter layer of theion-exchange filter through the liquid ion-exchange media tank, wherein the liquid ion-exchange media tank comprises a tank media bed configured to absorb and / or adsorb radiation contaminates in the liquid.

[0870] In some embodiments, the tank media bed comprises clinoptilolite, dicalcium hexaborate pentahydrate, and triethylene di-amine coconut-based (TEDA) carbon. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a high-pressure blower positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter, wherein the high-pressure blower pushes the contaminated air under pressure towards the ion-exchange filter. In some embodiments, the ion-exchange filter comprises a filtration V-bank having a plurality of banks, and in each of the banks the first filter layer forms an inside of a V shape and the second filter layer forms an outside of the V shape. In some embodiments, the filtration system further comprises a carbon V-bank filter positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter; and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) V- bank filter positioned between the ion-exchange filter and the air outlet, and wherein the method further comprises, prior to facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the first filter layer of the ion-exchange filter of the filtration system, facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the carbon V-bank filter; and, prior to facilitating the treated air to pass through the air outlet of the filtration system, facilitating the treated air to pass through the HEPA V-bank filter.

[0071] While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shown in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations of features, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments and variations and modifications thereof as encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the descriptions of such embodiments, combinations, and subcombinations is not intended to convey that the disclosed subject matter requires features orcombinations of features other than those expressly recited in the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following appended embodiments.

[0872] Embodiments of the present invention have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions could be made to the described embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (100) comprising: an air inlet (102); an ion-exchange filter (210, 900) coupled to the air inlet (102) and having a first filter layer (902) separated from a second filter layer (906) by a semi-permeable membrane (904), wherein the semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, wherein the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and wherein the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution; a liquid ion-exchange media tank (116) coupled to the ion-exchange filter for providing the ion-exchange solution in the second filter layer; and an air outlet (214) coupled to the ion-exchange filter.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first filter layer comprises zeolite, carbon, and boron.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first filter layer comprises clinoptilolite, triethelyne di-amine, coconut-based (TEDA) carbon, and borax pentrahydrate.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ion-exchange solution comprises hydromum liquid (1 hO ) with sodium borate (Arrhenius acid molecules and water- soluble boron).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the ion-exchange solution is configured to move in a direction counter to a flow' of air passing through the ion-exchange filter.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a liquid pump (114) coupled to the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter via a pump inlet and to the liquid ion-exchange media tank (116) via a pump outlet, such that the liquid pump is configured to pump liquid from the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter through the liquid ion-exchange media tank, wherein the liquid ion-exchange media tank comprises a tank media bed configured to absorb and / or adsorb radiation contaminates in the liquid.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the tank media bed comprises clinoptilolite, dicalcium hexaborate pentahydrate, and triethylene di-amine coconut-based (TEDA) carbon.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a high-pressure blower (208) positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter, wherein the high- pressure blower is configured to push air under pressure towards the ion-exchange filter.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the ion-exchange filter comprises a filtration V-bank having a plurality of banks, and in each of the banks the first filter layer forms an inside of a V shape and the second filter layer forms an outside of the V shape.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising: a carbon V-bank filter positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter; and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) V-bank filter positioned between the ionexchange filter and the air outlet.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the system is configured for operation as a standalone device.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the system is configured to be connected to, integrated into, or disposed in heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the system is configured for operation in a horizontal orientation.

14. The sy stem according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the system is configured for operation in a vertical orientati on.

15. A method ( 1000) comprising: providing (si 002) a filtration system having (i) an air inlet; (ii) an ion-exchange filter coupled to the air inlet and having a first filter layer separated from a second filter layer by a semi-permeable membrane, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, wherein the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and wherein the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution; (iii) a liquid ion-exchange media tank coupled to the ion-exchange filter for providing the ion-exchange solution in the second filter layer; and (iv) an air outlet coupled to the ion-exchange filter; facilitating ( s 1004) contaminated air to enter the air inlet of the filtration system; facilitating (si 006) the contaminated air to pass through the first filter layer of the ionexchange filter of the filtration system, such that the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the first filter layer; facilitating (sl 008) the contaminated air to pass through the semi-permeable membrane of the ion-exchange filter and come into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer, wherein the ion-exchange solution absorbs and / or adsorbs radiation contaminates, such that after the contaminated air passes through the first filter layer and the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter, the contaminated air is converted to treated air; and facilitating (si 010) the treated air to pass through the air outlet of the filtration system.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first filter layer comprises zeolite, carbon, and boron.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first filter layer comprises clinoptilolite, triethelyne di-amine, coconut-based (TEDA) carbon, and borax pentrahydrate.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the ion-exchange solution comprises hydronium liquid (HsCT) with sodium borate (Arrhenius acid molecules and water- soluble boron).

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein as the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer, the ionexchange solution moves in a direction counter to a flow of the contaminated air passing through the ion-exchange filter.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein the filtration system further comprises a liquid pump coupled to the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter via a pump inlet and to the liquid ion-exchange media tank via a pump outlet, and as the contaminated air comes into physical contact with the ion-exchange solution of the second filter layer, the liquid pump pumps liquid from the second filter layer of the ion-exchange filter through the liquid ion-exchange media tank, wherein the liquid ion-exchange media tank comprises a tank media bed configured to absorb and / or adsorb radiation contaminates in the liquid.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the tank media bed comprises clinoptilolite, di calcium hexaborate pentahydrate, and tri ethylene di -amine coconut-based (TEDA) carbon.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15-21, wherein the filtration system further comprises a high-pressure blower positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter, wherein the high-pressure blower pushes the contaminated air under pressure towards the ion-exchange filter.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, wherein the ion-exchange filter comprises a filtration V-bank having a plurality of banks, and in each of the banks the first filter layer forms an inside of a V shape and the second filter layer forms an outside of the V shape.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15-23, wherein the filtration system further comprises a carbon V-bank filter positioned between the air inlet and the ion-exchange filter; and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) V -bank filter positioned between the ionexchange filter and the air outlet, and wherein the method further comprises, prior to facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the first filter layer of the ion-exchange filter of the filtrationsystem, facilitating the contaminated air to pass through the carbon V -bank filter: and, prior to facilitating the treated air to pass through the air outlet of the filtration system, facilitating the treated air to pass through the HEP A V-bank filter.

25. An ion-exchange filter (210. 900) comprising: a first filter layer (902) separated from a second filter layer (906) by a semi-permeable membrane (904), wherein the semi-permeable membrane is air permeable and water impermeable, wherein the first filter layer is capable of filtering out radiation particles, and wherein the second filter layer comprises an ion-exchange solution.

26. The ion-exchange filter according to claim 25, wherein the first filter layer comprises zeolite, carbon, and boron.

27. The ion-exchange filter according to claim 25, wherein the first filter layer comprises clinoptilolite, triethelyne di-amine, coconut-based (TEDA) carbon, and borax pentrahydrate.

28. The ion-exchange filter according to any one of claims 25-27, wherein the ionexchange solution comprises hydronium liquid (HrO“) with sodium borate (Arrhenius acid molecules and water-soluble boron).

29. The ion-exchange filter according to any one of claims 25-28, wherein the ionexchange solution is configured to move in a direction counter to a flow of air passing through the ion-exchange filter.

30. The ion-exchange filter according to any one of claims 25-29, wherein the ionexchange filter comprises a filtration V-bank having a plurality of banks, and in each of the banks the first filter layer forms an inside of a V shape and the second filter layer forms an outside of the V shape.

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