How it works
Inside
ZenGUARD™.
A patented, graphene-based coating, developed by Zentek in Guelph, Ontario. What it is, where it goes, and what it does in each product.
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The media you already use
The pleated media in a furnace filter. The second layer of a surgical mask.
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ZenGUARD™ technology
A patented, graphene-based coating, formulated for each product and applied to that media.
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The same product, working harder
Same fit, same format, same routine. No new system to install.
Chapter 01 · In your furnace
The filter.
Inside the filter
The same MERV 9. Enhanced.
A standard MERV 9 filter, with one layer a regular filter doesn’t have. ZenGUARD™ is bonded right on the media fibres, so the filter holds on to more of what passes through, with no measurable effect on airflow.
Standard MERV 9 media, untreated.
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Cardboard frame
Rigid kraft board keeps the filter square in the slot.
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Pleated MERV 9 media
The same media you’d find in a regular MERV 9.
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ZenGUARD™ coating
Graphene-based, bonded right on the fibres. The one layer a regular filter doesn’t have.
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Expanded-metal support
Backs the pleats so they hold their shape under airflow.
42%
Infectious aerosol removal, ≈2.6× untreated
MS2 bacteriophage surrogate
22%
Estimated fan energy reduction
vs MERV 13 · school pilot
No measurable airflow impact · Meets ASHRAE 52.2 · NRC-validated · Three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications
Filtration vs resistance. How much viral filtration each filter delivers, against how hard your fan has to push. The line is the trend standard filters follow. ZenGUARD™ sits well above it, with MERV 13-level filtration at 21% less pressure drop.
Protection per carbon. The same data as one score: viral filtration divided by the fan’s yearly carbon. Higher means more protection for every kilogram of CO₂e.
Filtration vs airflow resistance
MERV 13 filtration. MERV 9 filter.
ZenGUARD™ is a MERV 9A filter. Untreated, ASHRAE 241 gives a MERV 9 no viral filtration credit. With the coating it reaches 75%, close to a MERV 13’s 77%, with 21% less pressure drop. That puts it well above the trend every standard filter follows.
Viral filtration (VFE) ↑
- Compared
- Other ratings
- Trend · MERV 11–16
- Projected · MERV 6–10
- ZenGUARD™
+27 pts vs MERV 9 projectedMERV 9 projected ≈48% · ASHRAE 241 credit 0%
−21% pressure drop vs MERV 13
MERV 6–10, projected. Without independent testing, ASHRAE 241 gives these ratings no viral filtration credit (0%).
Initial pressure drop · in. WG
Lower is better →
MERV 6–10, projected. Without independent testing, ASHRAE 241 gives these ratings no viral filtration credit (0%).
| Rating | VFE | ΔP in. WG |
|---|---|---|
| MERV 6 | 0 (≈20) | 0.12 |
| MERV 7 | 0 (≈30) | 0.18 |
| MERV 8 | 0 (≈40) | 0.23 |
| MERV 9 | 0 (≈48) | 0.26 |
| ZenGUARD™ 9A | 75% | 0.26 |
| MERV 10 | 0 (≈55) | 0.27 |
| MERV 11 | 60% | 0.28 |
| MERV 12 | 71% | 0.30 |
| MERV 13 | 77% | 0.33 |
| MERV 14 | 88% | 0.36 |
| MERV 15 | 91% | 0.39 |
| MERV 16 | 95% | 0.42 |
| HEPA | 99% | 0.50 |
Tap any point to compare
ZenGUARD™ on MERV 9A
ZenGUARD™ data- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 75%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.26 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈59%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- —
A MERV 9A filter with MERV 13-level filtration: 75% VFE against 77%, with 21% less pressure drop than a MERV 13, and 27 points above an untreated MERV 9, projected.
MERV 6
Projected- Viral filtration · projected
- ≈20%
- ASHRAE 241 credit
- 0%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.12 in. WG
- vs ZenGUARD™ (projected)
- +55 pts · +117% ΔP
Projected at ≈20%. ASHRAE 241 gives MERV 6–10 no viral filtration credit without independent testing, so it’s rated 0%.
MERV 7
Projected- Viral filtration · projected
- ≈30%
- ASHRAE 241 credit
- 0%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.18 in. WG
- vs ZenGUARD™ (projected)
- +45 pts · +44% ΔP
Projected at ≈30%. ASHRAE 241 gives MERV 6–10 no viral filtration credit without independent testing, so it’s rated 0%.
MERV 8
Projected- Viral filtration · projected
- ≈40%
- ASHRAE 241 credit
- 0%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.23 in. WG
- vs ZenGUARD™ (projected)
- +35 pts · +13% ΔP
Projected at ≈40%. ASHRAE 241 gives MERV 6–10 no viral filtration credit without independent testing, so it’s rated 0%.
MERV 9
Projected- Viral filtration · projected
- ≈48%
- ASHRAE 241 credit
- 0%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.26 in. WG
- vs ZenGUARD™ (projected)
- +27 pts · 0% ΔP
The same MERV 9 class at the same pressure drop, untreated. ASHRAE 241 credits it 0%, projected near 48%. ZenGUARD™ reaches 75%.
MERV 10
Projected- Viral filtration · projected
- ≈55%
- ASHRAE 241 credit
- 0%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.27 in. WG
- vs ZenGUARD™ (projected)
- +20 pts · −4% ΔP
Projected at ≈55%. ASHRAE 241 gives MERV 6–10 no viral filtration credit without independent testing, so it’s rated 0%.
MERV 11
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 60%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.28 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈64%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- +15 pts · −7% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: +15 VFE points, -7% pressure drop.
MERV 12
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 71%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.30 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈69%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- +4 pts · −13% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: +4 VFE points, -13% pressure drop.
MERV 13
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 77%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.33 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈76%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- −2 pts · −21% ΔP
The usual benchmark for viral filtration. ZenGUARD™ comes within 2 points, with 21% less pressure drop.
MERV 14
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 88%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.36 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈84%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- −13 pts · −28% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: -13 VFE points, -28% pressure drop.
MERV 15
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 91%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.39 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈91%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- −16 pts · −33% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: -16 VFE points, -33% pressure drop.
MERV 16
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 95%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.42 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- ≈98%
- vs ZenGUARD™
- −20 pts · −38% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: -20 VFE points, -38% pressure drop.
HEPA
Known value · ASHRAE 241- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 99%
- Initial pressure drop
- 0.50 in. WG
- Trend at this pressure drop
- — outside trend range
- vs ZenGUARD™
- −24 pts · −48% ΔP
ZenGUARD™: -24 VFE points, -48% pressure drop.
75% / 77%
VFE: ZenGUARD™ on MERV 9A vs MERV 13
ASHRAE 241 MERV-to-VFE
−21%
Pressure drop vs MERV 13
0.26 vs 0.33 in. WG
+27
VFE points vs an untreated MERV 9, projected
Projected · ASHRAE 241 credit 0%
≈48%
Where an untreated MERV 9 would sit, projected
ASHRAE 241 credit: 0%
MODELLED · VFE PER ASHRAE 241 · INITIAL PRESSURE DROP · LINEAR TREND, MERV 11–16
Viral filtration
MERV-to-VFE values from ASHRAE 241. MERV 6 to 10 get 0% credit without independent testing. ZenGUARD™ on MERV 9A media: 75%.
Pressure drop
Initial pressure drop in inches of water gauge, from published MERV charts (Filterbuy, LearnMetrics). ZenGUARD™: 0.26.
Trend line
Least-squares linear regression of VFE on pressure drop for MERV 11 to 16 (R² 0.94), shown as the solid line. Dashed: projected values for MERV 6–10, set below the trend. HEPA is excluded: it’s a different filter class and VFE levels off near 99%. MERV 6 to 10 aren’t used in the fit; they’re plotted as projected values (dashed), set below the linear trend. ASHRAE 241 credits them 0%.
Reading the chart
Up is more filtration. Right is less resistance, so less work for your fan. The best filters sit top right.
Protection per kilogram of carbon
Most filters follow the flock. ZenGUARD™ is just different.
To raise viral filtration, a standard filter needs tighter media, so your fan pushes harder and uses more energy. Every standard filter makes that same trade. ZenGUARD™ adds a second way to capture viral particles, so you get more filtration from every kilogram of carbon.
Viral filtration per 100 kg CO₂e a year
- Standard filters
- ZenGUARD™
Same MERV 9 class, with ZenGUARD™
Filter rating · MERV per ASHRAE 241
Tap any point to compare
ZenGUARD™ on MERV 9A
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 75%
- Fan carbon
- 402 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 18.7
Highest on the chart: 24% above MERV 13 and 46% above HEPA, with 21% less fan carbon than MERV 13.
MERV 6
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 0%
- Fan carbon
- 232 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 0.0
No viral filtration credit under ASHRAE 241 without independent testing, so it scores zero.
MERV 7
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 0%
- Fan carbon
- 278 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 0.0
No viral filtration credit under ASHRAE 241 without independent testing, so it scores zero.
MERV 8
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 0%
- Fan carbon
- 309 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 0.0
No viral filtration credit under ASHRAE 241 without independent testing, so it scores zero.
MERV 9
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 0%
- Fan carbon
- 340 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 0.0
Untreated, ASHRAE 241 gives a MERV 9 filter no viral filtration credit. With ZenGUARD™, the same class reaches 75%.
MERV 10
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 0%
- Fan carbon
- 386 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 0.0
No viral filtration credit under ASHRAE 241 without independent testing, so it scores zero.
MERV 11
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 60%
- Fan carbon
- 432 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 13.9
ZenGUARD™ scores 35% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 7% less fan carbon.
MERV 12
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 71%
- Fan carbon
- 463 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 15.3
ZenGUARD™ scores 22% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 13% less fan carbon.
MERV 13
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 77%
- Fan carbon
- 510 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 15.1
ZenGUARD™ scores 24% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 21% less fan carbon.
MERV 14
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 88%
- Fan carbon
- 556 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 15.8
ZenGUARD™ scores 18% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 28% less fan carbon.
MERV 15
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 91%
- Fan carbon
- 602 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 15.1
ZenGUARD™ scores 24% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 33% less fan carbon.
MERV 16
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 95%
- Fan carbon
- 649 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 14.6
ZenGUARD™ scores 28% higher per kilogram of carbon, using 38% less fan carbon.
HEPA
- Viral filtration (VFE)
- 99%
- Fan carbon
- 772 kg CO₂e a year
- Per 100 kg CO₂e
- 12.8
The most filtration, but also the most fan energy and the most frequent changes. ZenGUARD™ scores 46% higher per kilogram of carbon.
| Rating | Viral filtration (VFE) | Fan carbon | Per 100 kg CO₂e |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 6 | 0% | 232 kg CO₂e a year | 0.0 |
| MERV 7 | 0% | 278 kg CO₂e a year | 0.0 |
| MERV 8 | 0% | 309 kg CO₂e a year | 0.0 |
| MERV 9 | 0% | 340 kg CO₂e a year | 0.0 |
| ZenGUARD™ 9A | 75% | 402 kg CO₂e a year | 18.7 |
| MERV 10 | 0% | 386 kg CO₂e a year | 0.0 |
| MERV 11 | 60% | 432 kg CO₂e a year | 13.9 |
| MERV 12 | 71% | 463 kg CO₂e a year | 15.3 |
| MERV 13 | 77% | 510 kg CO₂e a year | 15.1 |
| MERV 14 | 88% | 556 kg CO₂e a year | 15.8 |
| MERV 15 | 91% | 602 kg CO₂e a year | 15.1 |
| MERV 16 | 95% | 649 kg CO₂e a year | 14.6 |
| HEPA | 99% | 772 kg CO₂e a year | 12.8 |
+24%
More viral filtration per kilogram of carbon than MERV 13
VFE ÷ fan CO₂e · modelled
21%
Less fan carbon than MERV 13, for 75% vs 77% VFE
500 CFM · year-round
75%
VFE on MERV 9A media. Untreated, ASHRAE 241 credits it 0%.
ASHRAE 241 MERV-to-VFE
48%
Less fan carbon than a HEPA filter
Initial pressure drop
Two extremes. One better ratio.
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No filter
Nothing slows the air down, and nothing is filtered out.
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HEPA
Filters the most, but uses the most fan energy and needs the most frequent changes.
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ZenGUARD™
The same MERV 9 class. Untreated, a MERV 9 gets 0% VFE credit under ASHRAE 241. With a second capture mechanism it reaches 75%. The best ratio on the chart.
MODELLED · VFE PER ASHRAE 241 · FAN CARBON FROM INITIAL PRESSURE DROP AT 500 CFM, YEAR-ROUND
Viral filtration
MERV-to-VFE values from ASHRAE 241. MERV 6 to 10 get 0% credit without independent testing. ZenGUARD™ on MERV 9A media: 75%.
Fan carbon
Initial pressure drop for each rating, converted to fan energy at 500 CFM running 8,760 hours a year, then to kg CO₂e.
The score
VFE (%) divided by kg CO₂e a year, shown per 100 kg. Higher means more filtration for the same carbon.
Why standard filters cluster
They all rely on size exclusion, so more filtration means tighter media and more fan energy. ZenGUARD™ adds a second physical mechanism.
The numbers.
Each comes from a named test method or a field pilot. Full reports on request.
Lab results, simplified.
Independently tested
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42%
Infectious aerosol removal efficiency, about 2.6× untreated filters.
MS2 bacteriophage · virus surrogate
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22%
Estimated lower fan energy than the standard MERV 13 filters replaced.
Three-month school pilot
Meets ASHRAE Standard 52.2. Validated by the National Research Council of Canada. Three peer-reviewed ASHRAE publications.
What it isn’t.
Not HEPA.
It enhances the filtration you already have.
Not a new system.
A standard-size MERV 9A filter that fits the furnace you already have, with ZenGUARD™ built in.
Not a claim without a test basis.
Every figure we publish says how it was measured.
Chapter 02 · On your face
The mask.
Inside the mask
Four layers. One enhanced.
ZenGUARD™ is a graphene-based coating, not a mask. We start with a standard ASTM Level 3 surgical mask and coat one of its layers right on the fibres, so the layers you already trust work harder.
A standard four-layer surgical mask. Every layer untreated.
ASTM Level 3 · 4-layer · Single-use · Health Canada authorized · Made in Canada.
Against the standard.
| ASTM L1 | ASTM L2 | ASTM L3 | ZenGUARD™ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial technology | Not a requirement | Yes | ||
| Viral filtration efficiency | Not a requirement | 99.99%+ | ||
| Bacterial filtration efficiency | ≥ 95% | ≥ 98% | ≥ 98% | 99.99%+ |
| Fluid resistance | 80 mm Hg | 120 mm Hg | 160 mm Hg | 160 mm Hg |
ASTM F2100 requirements · ZenGUARD™ results from independent lab testing
The facts.
- What it is
- A four-layer surgical mask with a patented ZenGUARD™ layer on the second layer.
- Standard
- ASTM F2100 Level 3. Fluid resistance 160 mm Hg.
- Filtration
- 99.99%+ bacterial and viral filtration efficiency, in independent lab testing.
- Fit
- The same fit and single-use format as the mask you wear today.
- Authorized
- Health Canada.
- Made in
- Canada.
Advanced science.
Better performance.
Developed by Zentek, and tested to a named standard in each product. Every figure we publish says how it was measured.
MEETS
ASHRAE Standard 52.2
FILTER
VALIDATED
National Research Council of Canada
FILTER
PUBLISHED
Three peer-reviewed ASHRAE papers
FILTER
TESTED
ASTM F2100 Level 3
MASK
AUTHORIZED
Health Canada
MASK
LISTED
Federal Pathway to Commercialization source list
ZENTEK
Made in
Canada.
Developed by Zentek in Guelph, Ontario. Every ZenGUARD™ filter and mask is made in Canada.
Zentek Ltd. · 1123 York Rd, Guelph, Ontario N1E 6Z1