The significance of safeguarding patients, employees, and visitors against airborne diseases has long been recognized by healthcare organizations and hospitals. However, with the recent epidemic of SARS-CoV-2, many regional institutions have declared proper air cleaning a mission that's vital to increase protection. Using bipolar ionization and how it works with innovative technology is one of the most effective ways to achieve this mission.
Basics on Bipolar Ionization
What Is It?
Bipolar ionization separates positive and negative charged ions from molecules in the atoms with more or less electrons than usual. These are known as ions, and they occur in nature. A compound is formed when these opposing charges attract each other.
When electricity is delivered to a tube with two electrodes, negative and positive ions are created, which is then combined with oxygen and water vapor in the air to form free radicals. These free radicals have the ability to kill microbes and break down odors, resulting in better indoor air quality.
The concept of bipolar ionization has been in existence for a long time. The older generation of this technology relied on perishable glass tubes and produced potentially hazardous ozone in the process.
The application of its technology is critical due to several restrictions. Because ions only last about 60 seconds, when the systems are put in the ductwork, several facilities have trouble getting proper ion counts into the inhabited regions. It also takes time for ions to neutralize germs because they don't work right away.
UL 867 certification, otherwise known as the Standard for Safety for Electrostatic Air Cleaners, takes the safety of fixed and portable electrostatic air cleaning technology into consideration. It is also essential when evaluating fixed and portable ion generators.
What is an Ion?
An ion is a negatively or positively charged molecule that either gains or releases electrons to become balanced. Naturally occurring ions can be found nearly everywhere, and they are always up to the task of cleaning the air. Likewise, sunlight, crashing waves, and energy from flowing water are sources of these ions.
When it comes to your home, the hospital, mall, and other indoor locations, ions can rarely be found or produced. Hence, you may freshen the air indoors by using needlepoint bipolar ionization technology, which creates ions without causing ozone or other dangerous consequences.
Why Use Bipolar Ionization Instead of Air Purifiers?
Most air purification systems can create clean air, but the majority of them also produce undesirable and harmful byproducts like ozone. They can be costly to install as well as to operate in terms of maintenance, replacement parts, and energy consumption. For many institutions, the disadvantages appeared to outweigh the possible benefits.
With bipolar ionization technology, it's not only affordable and straightforward to install on an existing HVAC system, but it is also free of dangerous off-gassing. Furthermore, independent testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense has shown that it can neutralize 99.4% of SARS-CoV-2 in under 30 minutes.
When bipolar ionization technology is inserted in an air handling system, it will produce an electronic charge that'll generate a high concentration of negatively and positively charged ions that circulate continuously, looking for impurities and stealing hydrogen atoms. This process is vital since biological pathogens like viruses and bacteria are neutralized when they are stripped of a hydrogen atom.
Additionally, the performance of the air filters improves when the charged ions take harmful and irrelevant molecules out of the air. Biofilm and mold are also removed from the cooling coils, unlike UV lights which can only clean the surface. Even odors can be neutralized by this state-of-the-art technology.
However, while there are a few additional ways available for capturing coronavirus particles, such as UV lights and HEPA filters, they are referred to as "passive" technology. This means that in order for these devices to be effective, the virus must travel through them. Bipolar ionization on the other hand, is an "active" technology that searches out and removes particles before they can be inhaled.
Advantages of Bipolar Ionization Technology Can Offer
There are no unfavorable byproducts. It does not produce toxic byproducts and is suitable for usage in a variety of residential, industrial, commercial settings.
Ions are dispersed directly into the air. The technology continuously disperses a large number of ions to the environment, making it possible for zero hazardous byproducts, such as ozone, produced in the indoor environment.
It has been utilized for decades in fields such as healthcare, despite the fact that it is still a relatively new technology.
Where Can You Use Bipolar Ionization Technology?
This efficient air cleaner technology can primarily be installed and used in hospitals, educational institutions, office buildings, residential buildings, and senior living centers. It can also be beneficial in the following areas or locations:
Stadiums
Agriculture
Transportation
Airports
Supermarkets
Retail
Warehouses
Banks
Convention Centers
Theaters
Worship Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bipolar ionization technology neutralize pathogens? The pathogens' surface proteins are disrupted during the process, rendering them dormant and unable to produce.
What is the duration of the ions emitted in the air? Small ions typically have a life expectancy of around 60 seconds before they come into contact with a surface or particle to clean the air.
Is there any risk associated with this technology? No. Harmful molecules are converted to innocuous compounds like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, making them risk-free and beneficial.
Is ozone produced by this technology? No, it is an ozone-free product that has been certified by UL 2998 and UL 867.
Are there any electromagnetic forces (EMFs) or line noise generated by the technology? No. The only technology that has been certified for use in private and commercial aircraft is the needlepoint bipolar ionization technology. It passes the RTCA DO-160 test to show that it does not generate EMFs.
See the Greatness of Using Bipolar Ionization and How It Works in Your Place of Choice!
The challenge for healthcare facilities is to swiftly, efficiently, and safely eradicate potentially infectious organisms while avoiding the production of toxic byproducts. Our needlepoint bipolar ionization at Eagle X Pro is one method that checks all of those conditions. To know more about what we can offer, contact us today!