Photocatalytic Oxidation is the process combining UVC irradiation (257.3 nm) with a substance (catalyst) titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )which results in a reaction that changes malignant microbes into water, carbon dioxide and detritus..
The air purification process of using photocatalytic oxidation often works by using an existing air system that pulls air through an air conditioning unit (HVAC) which passes through the professionally installed ultraviolet light/ titanium dioxide chambers. As the malignant microbe filled ambient air circulates through these chambers the microbes are “attacked” by free hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions, (created by UV light and titanium dioxide) breaking their cellular structure apart and destroying both the intracellular mass and DNA/HNA chromosomes. The result is harmless water molecules, carbon dioxide and detritus. See diagram above.
Portable units use fans to draw the air through the photocatalytic oxidation chamber. These units are very effective in smaller rooms or laboratories.
Recognizing a need for an air filtration/purification system that is efficient, quiet, and affordable as well as the ability to attack the molecular structure of hydrocarbon pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and chemically active compounds is essential if you want to have a safe ambient air environment for employees, patients, clients, visitors and yourself.
Photocatalytic oxidation destroys microbes, ’-volatile organic compounds, and chemically active compounds. In IVF laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, and clinics it is well documented that ambient air carries styrene’s, glutealdehyde, toluene, as well as microbes (bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi).
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) is a very powerful air purification technology and has the ability to destroy particles as small as 0.001 microns (nano meter). In comparison, HEPA filters can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns. Several studies have been done at Universities such as Penn State and Colorado. A book titled Aero Biological Engineering Handbook by Wladyslaw Jan Kowalski supports these findings as well.
Zandair products use this technology and can help you with your air purification needs. Browse through our website and see which Zandair product is right for you. Please contact us or one of our distributors in your area with your questions and comments. 8/11
Resources
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/iec/abe/control/photocatalytic.asp
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Air Cleaners: Reducing Energy Use While Cleaning the air
http://eetd.lbl.gov/newsletter/nl29/eetd-nl29-4-pco.html
Destruction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions by
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO):
SEMATECH August 31, 1995
http://www.sematech.org/docubase/document/2935aeng.pdf
Wladyslaw Jan Kowalski “Aerobiological Engineering Handbook” Chapter 14, pgs. 295-305