Ozone Disinfection in Hotels, Offices, and Homes

Scientific Background

As long ago as 1877, English scientists discovered that microorganisms no longer reproduce when exposed to sunlight.  Subsequent research proved that the invisible part of the sun’s radiation, with between 100 and 280 nm, is responsible for this effect. Today, we know this as ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light (UV-C). This discovery has made it possible to clean surfaces of solids as well as rid air of microorganisms. All this happens without the use of chemicals or high temperatures – and precisely in places that had been up until this point difficult or impossible to disinfect.

OZONE’S EFFECT – PHOTOCATALYSIS

Ozone is able to combine with odor-carrying organic compounds and oxidize them. At the same time, microorganisms on surfaces – such as germs, bacteria, and mold spores – are rendered ineffective naturally, as if by the sun’s rays. The byproduct of oxidation is once again oxygen, i.e., fresh air. Because oxygen is a gas at room temperature, germs are completely destroyed in both the air as well as on surfaces – and in hard-to-reach places that are inaccessible to chemical cleaning agents.

UV-C OZONE VS. PLASMA TECHNOLOGY:
COMPLEMENTARY METHODS FOR EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATING ODORS AND GERMS

The UV-C ozone air purification system works on the basis of photocatalysis. It is necessary to know that this is a technology that produces clean, pure ozone using controlled production of UV light in conjunction with oxygen – a method that does not harm the environment, mimics nature, and does not produce any harmful byproducts, such as nitrogen oxides. As soon as the ozone combines with microorganisms and odor molecules outside the device itself – e.g., in the air, or on surfaces such as carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, etc. – it decomposes and the resulting byproduct is once again oxygen. The fresh scent remaining after the air purification system’s cleaning process is similar to that of the air after a storm, which only emphasizes the naturalness of the overall air purification process.

The company oxytec makes a distinction between two types of UV-C ozone systems:

The FreshAir series, which works with only a small amount of ozone, so that the ozone created remains at levels under the threshold of 17.5 mg/h (the natural ozone concentration in the environment).

The SaniAir series – in which ozone is created to purge odors, disinfect, or do other types of quick operations –  significantly exceeds this threshold value.

Whereas the ozone concentration when using the FreshAir series is risk-free for people and animals remaining in the space during the process, their presence in the room is precluded when SaniAir series devices are in use.

CleanAir Plasma air purifiers were specially developed to eliminate odors in the air rather than to treat surfaces. Plasma technology works using the principles of physics and, like UV-C ozone technology, does not use chemicals. Plasma technology is technology for treating air or circulating air, during which gaseous organic carbon compounds – such as odor molecules, bacteria, and viruses – are destroyed. Solids and aerosols are eliminated in the pre-filtration phase. In contrast to UV-C ozone air purifiers, the plasma system does not emit ozone. To a greater degree, the odors are reduced by effectively pre-filtering coarse air contaminants in the room; by reactions and oxidation processes occurring when air flows through the plasma system, in which organic carbon compounds are oxidized; and in the subsequent activated carbon filter, which works as reactive storage. There, the unoxidized compounds are detained and they undergo oxidation. The activated carbon additionally changes the ozone back into oxygen. For this reason, people and animals are permitted to be present in the room when the plasma system is in operation.

In summary, both types of systems use atmospheric oxygen with a demonstrably positive effect on human health. It is with good reason that atmospheric oxygen has been used therapeutically for such a long time.

System Models:

UV-C Ozone Air Purifiers:

The FreshAir device works with UV light and a small amount of ozone. The ozone that is created registers under the threshold of 0.04 ppm for a room of 15 m³, i.e., under natural ozone concentration levels. Therefore, the amount is safe for people and animals.

The MultiAir 250 combines the performance and advantages of SaniAir and FreshAir into one system; it can be used for quickly disinfecting indoor air as well as for continuous operation – according to whether or not people are permanently present in the room to be treated. A safety key is used to set the required method.

Devices in the SaniAir 250/400/800 line are used to eliminate odors, disinfect, and do other quick operations (without humans present). Purifiers in the SaniAir series work using UV-C light and a higher amount of pure ozone. They eliminate microorganisms and odors in indoor air and surfaces. Germs and spores are destroyed. At the same time, all types of allergens from dust mites and pets are eliminated. Moreover, it also destroys odors from solvents, kitchens, and cigarettes.

Plasma Air Purifiers:

The CleanAir Plasma CAP 90 is designed to purify air and neutralize odors. Using this system, nearly all allergenic bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold, and harmful substances in the air are destroyed. Reducing fine dust particles that can be inhaled (PM 2.5) and cigarette smoke is especially important in relation to disease. The system eliminates 98% of pollen and 99% of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses; it neutralizes odors by 98%.

The CleanAir Plasma Mobile CAP 650W/ST combines the advantages of CleanAir Plasma with a greater ventilation and filtration capacity (800 m³/h) and can be supplied for either wall installation or as a floor model in larger spaces (200 to 300 m³/h) to improve indoor air, e.g., for waste storage spaces.

The Clean Air Plasma KWL CAP KWL circulating air filter incorporates the advantages of CleanAir Plasma and integrates them into whole-house ventilation systems (KWL is the German abbreviation) as an alternative to FreshAir for building into ventilation ducts. The ducts thus remain permanently clean, without mold spores or pathogens; in this way, costs for hygienic maintenance can be distinctly reduced.

The CleanAir Plasma 650-CAP 650 V is a plasma module that is composed of a fan (optional) and the three previously described stages of filtration; these can be retrofitted into an existing exhaust systems or easily used in display cooking stations.