Comment by memonkey | Hacker News Reader

Comment by memonkey | Hacker News Reader

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Full disclaimer, I work for a somewhat prestigious air filtration company.

I agree the wording is a little bit on the strange side. However, if they are saying that it's a "bioweapon defense mode" they should probably be saying that they can catch 0.03 microns as opposed to 0.3 microns. That is virus level small. There should also be several filters in there, a large particulate filter for the big stuff, an activated carbon filter for the odors, and an ultra fine particulate filter for the 0.03 kinds of small stuff.

UV ends up not being worth it because you'd have to replace the bulb almost on a monthly basis. Ionizers just make your particulates sticky, so they'd go right through the filter and stick to your clothes/seats/walls.

In the Launch Event video, Elon goes into more detail around the 10 minute mark.

The filtering is effective down to 0.01 microns. During testing, they were not able to detect any measurable level of spores, bacteria, or viruses in the air passing through the system.

Two separate filters, and the main filter has three levels of activated carbon. First: Universal (hydrocarbons) Second: Acidic gases (sulfur) Third: Alkaline gases (ammonia)

Okay, but let's get to the important part: can I use my Model X as a clean room?

Elon mentions the air is as clean as a hospital operating room. Close enough.

> UV ends up not being worth it because you'd have to replace the bulb almost on a monthly basis.

I have a UV system on my home A/C, and the bulb usually burns out once every two years (and it's always on). I'd imagine this would be greatly extended if in place in a car when it's not always on. Am I missing something?

I thought that turning lights on and off is most of what causes damage to them.

The effectiveness of a UV lamp decreases with age, so they can stop being effective long before they actually burn out. There should be a manufacturer rating on the lamp, which will depend on its composition and other things.

As an example the lamps I use have a rating of ~8000hrs, about a year, but to the outside observer they'll still look functional until they blow after 2-3 years.

Do they have UV LEDs yet?

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