• Augmenting Air Quality Monitoring Networks

In 24 hours, the P-PAL Tree is designed to filter 1 crore liters of polluted air. While the soot particles are directed to the inner chamber, the filtered air is directed outside. Every six months, the soot accumulated in the inner chamber is to be separated. Consuming only 30-40 watts, the device functions well using minimal power which is one of its highlights.

Ashik has also managed to design another version of the P-PAL Tree for industrial usage. Having registered his own company, Panjurli Labs, Ashik along with his team will now focus on manufacturing P-PAL Tree and the research regarding the same. In other things, he is working on Bamboo-based air coolers and zero-cost ocean water desalination, and water purifiersAn inlet fan absorbs the polluted air inside the device, following which the air is passed through a series of thin films which trap the particulate matter.

The soot particles are then channeled toward a collecting chamber, whereas the filtered air is instantly directed outside. At the end of a six months’ period, the soot collected in the designated chamber is separated and can be utilized to manufacture printer ink, paint, tires, etc.
“One of the best aspects of the device is that it has extremely low power consumption (around 35-40 watts), almost similar to that of a basic ceiling fan. It works easily at the household voltage limit of 230 volts, and hardly requires any servicing in our experience.

As of now, Ashik has also managed to design an upgraded P-PAL Tree which is suitable for industrial usage. During a ground visit to the Peenya Industrial Zone, he observed the appalling working conditions in some of the factories, where laborers were exposed to long hours of pollution and heat. The experience prompted him to design the advanced industrial version of the P-PAL Tree. He has already supplied bulk orders to asphalt and jaggery factories.