Coway R&D Genius Spotlight #3: Airmega
Meet genius Hyun Jin Hong, Senior Research Engineer on the Coway AirCare Development Team. Together with the rest of his team, Hong leads the development of Airmega products that will ship out to create healthier homes worldwide.
Innovating Air Purification
“We breathe every second for 24 hours every day to live. But the air we breathe has dust, various harmful gasses, VOCs, pollen, pet hair, viruses, and other invisible particles,” says Hong. “The smaller the particle, the more chances of breathing that into our bodies. Air purifiers will help collect those and give us clean air and protect us from harm.”
When asked about the creation of Airmega, Hong said the sources of inspiration were all around. “Even 10 years ago, many air purifiers had different designs with one single suction structure. Over time, it seems everyday tasks and the products would go hand in hand together. For example, wouldn't it be more intuitive to show quality numerically but also in color? Or how about installing it on walls or ceilings in public facilities besides the home? All these ideas helped lead to the creation of the product,” Hong said.
“When developing a product, unexpected issues come and go without warning,” Hong added. “However, despite obstacles and setbacks, we are a company that strives to do our best in a never-ending effort to provide quality products to consumers.”
His partner, Hyun Kuk Choi, added, “The most important feature is to provide clean air in the shortest amount of time. However, it is not only the performance but also the design that is appealing to consumer interest.”
A Network of Capture Technologies
The Coway filter system removes 99.999%1 of particles as small as 0.01 micron. Our Max2 filter has both the Green True HEPA™ filter and an activated carbon deodorization filter. Not only does the Green True HEPA™ filter capture the virus, but also destroys it.
“The Green True HEPA™ filter technology is unique only for Coway by applying a green anti-bacterial surface to stop viruses from going through,” explains Hong. “After some time passes, viruses like the H1N1, influenza, or MERS-CoV are collected in that filter and are inactivated. This was achieved due to the collaboration with leading universities through proven experiments.”
Although in general other HEPA filters alone are expected to trap 99.97%2 of particles 0.3 microns in size, some particles will inevitably get through. Airmega’s Max2 filters include an activated carbon filter that uses small pores to capture the chemicals, odors, and smoke that a standalone HEPA filter might not catch.
Instead of a corner, Hong recommends placing your purifier in the middle of the room to evenly distribute air. “We also recommend regular maintenance on filters to keep them running at top performance. Coway products have features that will let you know if filters need to be changed.”
Watch this video to learn more about how certain Airmegas can capture and remove over 99.98%3 of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Viruses.
To learn more about Airmega and shop for a purifier of your own, visit cowaymega.com/airmega.
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2018 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum fan speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers. Tested with Coway Airmega 150, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, 250S, 250, 300, 300S, 400, 400S.
2Source: EPA
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with Coway Airmega air purifier models, Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes, and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Results showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This results from a laboratory experiment condition and may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. The Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and have equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
