Air treatment with photocatalysis

Photocatalysis can be described as a redox reaction catalyzed by a semiconductor material excited to the surface of which the reactants are adsorbed. Photocatalysis is called heterogeneous when the catalyst (semiconductor) is not soluble in the reaction medium.

The most widely used semiconductor is titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 has a lot of advantages compared to other semiconductors such as its efficiency, non-toxicity, stability and low cost.

The figure below summarizes all the reactions occurring at the surface of a semiconductor, TiO2, under the action of a suitable UV radiation

In the photocatalytic processes, catalyst activation is done via a light source. When the semiconductor is irradiated with an appropriate light source, the absorption of a higher energy photon or equal to the gap allows for electron transfer between the two bands and so form an electron / hole pair (e- / h +). The lifetime of these pairs e- / h + is sufficiently long to form a redox system and allow the capture of e- by electron acceptors and filling h + by electron donors. The generated radicals thus enable the degradation of a wide range of pollutants including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The VOC are molecules dissolved in the air, which represent harmful pollutants for indoor air; among them, smells, chemical compounds and all kind of harmful gases.

By choosing the ANEMO technology involving photocatalysis, you contribute to creating a healthy air.

The air purification and disinfection systems designed and developed by ANEMO are powered by a new tri-active technology that revolutionize the air treatment. The ANEMO air purification devices are used for complete disinfection and deodorization of indoor air. They help to reduce the illness risk linked to bacteria and viruses contamination.

ADVANTAGES

• Greentech air treatment and deodorization technology
• Effectively removes micro-organisms as well as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as ethylene.
• No secondary pollution by ozone rejection. In the contrary the UV-C radiation degrade ozone
• Air treatment in all areas, extensive product range which makes the air treatment system adaptable in all types of structures.
• Significant reduction of risk of diseases, related to the airborne bacteria and viruses (respiratory diseases, SARS, cancers).
• Cost reduction: Using UVRER ANEMO air treatment system prevents clogging of air conditioners or heating devices, thus reducing the energy consumption.
• Efficiency: The annular reactor / tangential flow increases the time of germs passage and provides optimum exposure for the inactivation of micro-organisms and mineralization of VOCs by photocatalysis / UVC
• Improves the comfort in the treated areas and reduces the risk of airborne contamination.
• Our air purification system do not load the air into free radicals: The radicals are generated in the TiO2 surface and are quickly consumed by degradation reactions.
• No need of additional safety equipment when using UVRER ANEMO air treatment system, no risk for the staff.
• User safety: UVc rays are confined and the operating staff are not subject to their effect
• Return on investment: 1 month out of 5 gain of storage, limit production losses of 15% to 40% and also limit the loss of weight of products during storage.
• Photocatalysis (PCO) generates hydroxyl radicals, which have a greater oxidation potential than ozone (2.8 V against 2,07V) which allows a better degradation of pollutants.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Chemistry

The greentech solutions developed by UVRER ANEMO for air disinfection have an important role and contribution in improving the indoor and outdoor environment. With ANEMO air disinfection reactors, it is now possible to treat industrial waste gases before release into the atmosphere. Our technology can reduce or eliminate the emission of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere like Benzene, Heptanal, Hexane…. The requirements for industrial activities are a very low level of release threshold of VOCs in the atmosphere and therefore the Photocatalysis is an innovative and efficient solution to face the problems linked to air pollution.

Healthcare

The ANEMO air disinfection systems reduce the airborne nosocomial infections in zones a high risk, limit the health impact of chemical and microbial contaminants environments and ensure the well-being and health of patients and medical staff.

• Medical care consultation room
• Medical care waiting room
• Hospital room

Household

Construction materials, insulation, disinfection home products and coating, heating, air conditioning and furniture are strong sources of emissions of carcinogenic and mutagenic pollutants. ANEMO has developed a specific disinfection and deodorization system, which combines a tri-active advanced technology of air purification. The use of our solutions is the guarantee of a healthy environment and high energy performance.

• Residential house, appartement
• Workshop
• Garage

Public areas

The ANEMO air purifiers can treat and disinfect indoor air against bacteria, mold and other disturbing particles in all types of structure (public place, nursery, school, private house, pet shop…). Our disinfection systems also protect you against the risks associated with volatile pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, which can cause diseases such as asthma, allergies and other. Indeed, it was shown that contrary to popular belief, the indoor air is 10 times more polluted than outdoor air because it is confined, leading to increased concentration of pollutants. We offer disinfecting and deodorizing air systems for living spaces that meet the requirements, stipulated in the Decree of 21 December 2011 of the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development.

• Nurseries, schools
• Public places
• Public toilets

Agriculture

ANEMO air purification systems are designed to ensure the quality of the production post-harvest, during the storage. The disinfection enables :

• to limit the degradation of the product
• to limit the production loses, linked to airborne contamination
• to limit the use of chemical disinfection during the storage
• to increase the shelf life of the production

The main issue during post-harvest storage of fruits and vegetables is the presence of harmful elements in cold rooms and packing areas. Besides the development of microorganisms, ethylene emission also accelerates the degradation of products (especially for climacteric fruits such as plums, apples, peaches …). Our treatment solutions can address these two problems with a single air disinfection device.

Viniculture

One of the main concerns in the wine sector is the appearance of cork taint or musty earth. The consequences are significant economic losses due to lower volumes but also a customer dissatisfaction related to product quality. ANEMO is developing for more than 10 years, air treatment systems that perfectly meet the above described challenges found in the wine sector. Indeed, the combination of activated carbon adsorption and degradation by photocatalysis can effectively treat many chemical compounds and particularly TCA TeCA, TBA and geosmine responsible for cork taste and musty earth.

• Air disinfection in cold rooms
• Disinfection of industrial emissions
• Disinfection in Winery, viticultural cellar

Transport

Tri-active advanced technological solutions of UVRER ANEMO for disinfection ensure high air quality for:

• the transportation of food and plants
  • Reduce airborne contamination between products
  • Stop the contamination / secondary pollutions related to the internal air conditioning systems
• the passangers
  • Limit the impact of chemical pollutants existing in the construction materials
  • Reduce viral and bacterial contamination between passengers

Area of applications :

• Ambulance
• Standard truck
• Train
• Bus
• Refrigerated truck