how was the NRC testing done and what specific measurable improvements were recorded...
Here’s a deeper, **evidence-based look at how the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) tested Zentek’s ZenGUARD™ Enhanced HVAC filters under the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Testing Stream — and the specific measurable improvements that were recorded.
?? How the NRC Testing Was Set Up- Purpose-Built Modular Room to Simulate Real Indoor Spaces
- NRC constructed a modular classroom-like environment to mimic real-world indoor air conditions where a viral aerosol might circulate (e.g., low humidity, typical winter temperatures).
- This setting allowed testing with airflow, airborne particles, humidity, and temperature similar to normal occupied buildings. ISED Canada
- Bioaerosol Test Facility
- The NRC used a specialized bioaerosol testing facility designed specifically to challenge filtration systems with wet aerosolized droplets — a primary mechanism of disease spread indoors.
- This facility was built to assess how effectively filter media reduce a surrogate virus in airflow passing through the HVAC filter. Zentek Ltd.
- Surrogate Virus Particles
- The tests used surrogate viral particles (e.g., bacteriophages such as Phi6 or similar) that behave like respiratory viruses in size and behavior in air.
- Filters were challenged with very small aerosols that standard filters (like MERV 8) normally aren’t designed to remove. ISED Canada
- Goal Criteria (ISC & NRC Test Plan)
The NRC test plan set rigorous criteria that ZenGUARD™ needed to meet:
- Significant net reduction in airborne pathogens when compared to same-rated uncoated filters.
- No increased resistance to airflow (no higher pressure drop that would force HVAC systems to use more energy).
- No adverse impact on indoor air quality (no shedding or negative byproducts).
- No need to modify HVAC systems to use the filters. ISED Canada
?? Key Measurable Outcomes ?? 1. Dramatic Increase in Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE)- ZenGUARD™-treated MERV 8 filters showed ~34.56% VFE for a surrogate virus (Phi6) in a single air exchange, compared to only ~7.24% for uncoated MERV 8 filters.
? That’s almost 5× higher viral capture on one pass. Zentek Ltd.
- This is significant because:
- MERV 8 filters normally capture only a very limited fraction of submicron viral aerosols; such large relative gains indicate ZenGUARD™ is altering the interaction between airborne particles and the filter medium. ISED Canada
?? 2. No Negative Impact on Airflow or Energy Use- NRC testing confirmed no reduction in airflow rates when using ZenGUARD™-enhanced filters vs. standard MERV 8 filters — meaning ventilation performance stays the same.
- Because airflow didn’t drop, energy consumption did not increase, which is a typical problem when pushing more air through high filtration media. ISED Canada
?? 3. No Negative Air Quality Effects- Tests ensured the coating itself didn’t shed particles or adversely affect indoor air — an important safety check, because any material flaking off could introduce new contaminants.
- NRC confirmed ZenGUARD™ did not negatively impact air quality or contribute particles to the air stream. ISED Canada
?? 4. Improved Performance Over Time Under Dust Loading (Third-Party LMS Test Related to NRC Methods)
- Independent lab tests showed that under simulated dust accumulation, ZenGUARD™-enhanced filters maintained and even improved viral filtration efficiency over time compared with uncoated filters.
- After the equivalent of ~6 months of dust loading:
- ZenGUARD™ filters achieved ~85.6% VFE vs ~55.2% for uncoated filters.
- Pressure drop stayed the same between the two — meaning efficiency gains didn’t cost higher energy use. Zentek Ltd.
?? What This Means (Scientifically & Practically) ? Higher Viral Capture:
ZenGUARD™ consistently demonstrates multiple-times greater ability to remove surrogate viral aerosols than equivalent uncoated filters, even on the first air pass and over time. Zentek Ltd.
? Maintained HVAC Efficiency:
Because there’s no increased pressure drop or airflow loss, buildings don’t need more powerful blowers or more energy to maintain the same ventilation rates. ISED Canada
? No Retrofit Needed:
Filters can be swapped into existing HVAC systems without additional hardware or system redesign. ISED Canada
?? Why This Matters in a Classroom / Indoor Setting- Indoor environments like schools, offices, and healthcare facilities can have high risk of airborne viral spread.
- The NRC’s modular room test simulates such real-world airflow and occupancy conditions.
- Demonstrating that filters can remove more viral particles while keeping airflow and energy use stable gives building operators a practical and deployable solution for improving indoor air quality without major infrastructure investment. ISED Canada
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