The first masks featuring the filter technology
are being used as part of a project to supply masks to Minnesota’s
M Health Fairview network
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, Cummins Inc.
(NYSE: CMI) and DuPont (NYSE: DD) are helping address the nation’s
shortage of N95 respirator masks. Cummins’ NanoNet® and NanoForce®
Media technology, which uses DuPont’s Hybrid Membrane Technology
(HMT), can typically be found in air, fuel and lube filtration
products used in heavy-duty diesel engines to prevent long-term
engine wear, but also can be used in the N95 respirator masks worn
by healthcare professionals to filter harmful airborne particles
that can spread COVID-19.
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The need for N95 masks has skyrocketed in recent weeks in
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the world’s leading mask
manufacturers are in need of the critical materials to assemble the
mask and are struggling to meet demand.
“Cummins is re-evaluating our supply base and manufacturing
capabilities to identify how we can support our healthcare
professionals who rely on critical personal protective equipment to
do their jobs,” said Amy Davis, Vice President of Cummins
Filtration. “Our NanoNet® Media can fill a key supply void and help
address the mask shortage facing the United States and other
countries around the world.”
The first mask prototypes using Cummins’ donated media were
assembled by University of Minnesota teams in March as part of an
initiative to provide masks to M Health Fairview and other
Minneapolis-based healthcare systems. As the COVID-19 outbreak
escalated, the University of Minnesota realized their supply of N95
masks to protect healthcare workers would potentially run out in a
matter of weeks. To address this challenge, a team of designers,
engineers, chemists, surgeons, anesthesiologist and apparel and
clothing experts from the University of Minnesota’s Institute for
Engineering in Medicine; Medical School; College of Design; College
of Science and Engineering; and Center for Filtration Research
Consortium (CFR) came together to address this projected shortage
of critical personal protective equipment.
“The first thing we recognized from our experts in the Center
for Filtration Research, who work directly with Cummins, is that
not all filtration materials are created equal and that the Cummins
material is an excellent alternative,” said Jakub Tolar, Campus
Health Officer and Medical School Dean at the University of
Minnesota. “We are tremendously grateful for the generous donation
from Cummins of their filtration materials toward our mask effort.
Since the arrival of the filtration media, we have been able to
make rapid progress, and we now believe we have several viable mask
options, including both a disposable and re-usable option. These
designs show real promise in keeping our healthcare workers safe
should standard medical supplies of N95 masks no longer be
available,” continued Tolar.
The project also aims to provide open source instructions that
other healthcare systems and groups can use to create their own
respirator masks.
While DuPont’s innovative and unique Hybrid Membrane Technology
(HMT) is typically integrated with Cummins’ synthetic fibers to
protect sensitive engine components, it has multiple other
applications that can include filtration media used in N95
respirator masks.
DuPont’s Hybrid Membrane Technology goes beyond the limits of
traditional semi-porous or nonwoven membranes for air and liquid
filtration. Made using a proprietary spinning process, the hybrid
technology materials are comprised of continuous sub-micron fibers.
The end result is a “membrane-like” sheet structure that balances
breathability and high filtration efficiency of particulates.
“We are proud to make our advanced technology available to help
protect more caregivers on the front lines of this global health
crisis,” said HP Nanda, Global Vice President & General
Manager, DuPont Water Solutions. “We thank our partner Cummins for
transitioning the use of its production line to help address the
global shortage of N95 mask materials, and we thank the experts at
the University of Minnesota for their leadership in testing and
designing several mask options for the benefit of many healthcare
systems. By working together—and innovating new applications of
existing technologies and materials—we hope to slow the spread of
this terrible virus.”
The N95 designation means the respirator can block at least 95
percent of particles from entering the wearer’s nose and mouth.
When Cummins’ NanoNet® Media was tested using an industry standard
testing method, it exceeded the performance requirements for N95
designation. Cummins’ manufacturing facilities have since provided
media samples to mask manufacturers across the globe to test its
effectiveness.
While products featuring Cummins’ media will need to be vetted
and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH), the company is preparing to do its part to help
relieve the burden facing the healthcare industry. “We’re working
as quickly as possible with healthcare regulators and other
partners to help certify products with our materials, and prepare
our manufacturing facilities to meet demand,” said Davis.
Mask manufacturers interested in learning more about Cummins’
media technology can visit
cumminsfiltration.com/respiratormedia.
Cummins’ Filtration business designs, manufactures and sells
air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, as well as chemical
technology products for diesel and gas-powered equipment around the
world.
About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of
complementary business segments that design, manufacture,
distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The
company’s products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and
hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including
filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls
systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric
power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems,
hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. Headquartered in
Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins
employs approximately 61,600 people committed to powering a more
prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility
priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment
and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online,
through a network of company-owned and independent distributor
locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and
earned about $2.3 billion on sales of $23.6 billion in 2019. See
how Cummins is powering a world that’s always on by accessing news
releases and more information at
https://www.cummins.com/always-on.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with
technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help
transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse
science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas
and deliver essential innovations in key markets including
electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and
wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at
www.dupont.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200406005502/en/
Cummins Contact: Jon Mills Cummins
Inc. Phone: 317-658-4540 Email: jon.mills@cummins.com
DuPont Contact Kimberly Kupiecki
DuPont Water Solutions Phone: 612-508-5066 Email:
kimberly.kupiecki@dupont.com
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