Korea Unveils Advanced Filter-Free Dust Reduction Tech in Subways. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Korea Unveils Advanced Filter-Free Dust Reduction Tech in Subways.
On the 24th, Kim Hak-jun, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, explains the fine dust reduction device installed at Seodaejeon Station in Daejeon./Courtesy of Lee Ho-jun.

Korea launches filter-free dust reduction tech to clean subway air fast. On March 24, 2025, smog from westerly winds worsens nationwide air quality.

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Heavy smog blankets Korea, and fine dust hits “bad” levels across regions. Near Seodaejeon Intersection Station in Daejeon, residents don masks for protection.

Spring lags behind, yet fine dust races ahead, harming health and nature. Thus, Korea pushes innovative tools to fight this growing ecological threat.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials unveils a filter-free device. This technology simplifies upkeep and outperforms older systems in efficiency.

Three subway stations, including Seodaejeon, now run this advanced dust solution. At Seodaejeon, it cuts ultrafine dust from “bad” to “good” instantly.

Development kicks off in 2021 after Daejeon Metropolitan Transit Corporation’s request. The Ministry of Science and ICT backs this green research project.

Filter-Free Dust Reduction Transforms Subway Air

Previously, Daejeon trails Seoul and Daegu in subway dust control efforts. Older tools drain power and need frequent, costly maintenance work.

Researcher Kim Hak-jun drives this demand-led innovation with impressive results. Public needs fuel this tech’s creation, speeding up its real-world use.

Old devices use filters, but dust clogs air and raises upkeep costs. Electrostatic options produce ozone, adding new issues despite cutting dust.

Now, ultra-thin microfiber electrodes power this dust-busting solution effectively. Negative ions grab dust, and positive plates trap it with ease.

About 300 electrodes fill a 4-square-meter space, cutting power use sharply. This design beats thicker electrodes, delivering sustainable and reliable results.

Cleaning stays simple, and dry air blasts replace wet, wasteful methods. Night crews handle maintenance quickly without water or long delays.

Expanding Filter-Free Dust Reduction Nationwide

After a year-long test, three stations confirm this device’s strong impact. Tunnel dust falls 73%, and indoor air improves by 22%, stats show.

Expansion to all stations could lift these gains, experts forecast confidently. Plus, ozone stays low at 4 parts per billion, safely.

The Korea Institute shares this tech with KC Cottrell and others. Each firm targets unique markets, from big plants to small units.

Future uses may cover schools, stores, factories, and semiconductor production lines. Schools could save $23 million yearly on filter costs, estimates suggest.

President Ryu Seok-hyun praises this as top-tier tech from decades of work. Two years of tests prove its power and practical value, he notes.

Korea plans to spread this solution to more public spaces soon. Health gains and cost cuts propel this ambitious rollout forward quickly.

This tech sets a global bar, and Korea leads in dust control. Cleaner air arrives without the hassle of constant filter swaps.

Source: biz.chosun.com

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