Development
of Our Patent-pending
nano Nickel HCT Catalyst Coating
AHPCO,
is an Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology.
Basically, it is a broad spectrum high intensity UV light targeted
on our patent-pending nano Nickel HCT quad metallic catalyst
in a low-level ozone and moist atmosphere. This creates an advanced
oxidation of friendly oxidizers. Unlike ozone, these oxidizers
are safe, but yet aggressive at killing mold, bacteria, viruses
and more. They also effectively neutralize odors and VOCs.
Once they have done their job contaminants are transformed into
harmless carbon dioxide and water.
UV
light and ozone are not new discoveries. Ozone was first discovered
in the late 1800's and used as a water purifier in Europe. The
use of UV light was discovered in the 1930's. Actually, nature
discovered it before; it was called the "sun". The disinfection
qualities of UV light are also not new. Hospitals have used
UV light for decades in operating rooms. Barbers were disinfecting
combs in the 1950's with UV light. What is new is the enhancement
of both these natural, friendly oxidizers and the validation
for use on air.
History
of Air Systems
In
the mid-1980's air purifiers started to make their way into
the residential market. Ozone air systems were widely used in
the commercial restoration business for fire and flood damage
to buildings. These applications utilized corona discharge systems
(CD) that use a spark or electrically charged plates to simulate
lightning. This converted the oxygen (O2) to ozone (O3). The
CD method creates very high concentrated ozone. Plus by using
air as the oxygen source, you are receiving 20% oxygen and 80%
nitrogen. The problem with CD systems is with oxygen conversion
you also get a nitrogen conversion, which makes nitric acid
and nitric oxide along with potentially dangerous ozone levels.
The
problem facing the residential air systems was that the cost
of an oxygen generator was so high they went without one. This,
of course, created a CD unit that produced high concentrations
of ozone plus low levels of nitric oxide and nitric acid. The
maintenance was a problem due to the corrosive nature of nitric
acid and the high concentration of ozone exceeding the Federal
safety limits of .04 ppm. Ozone readings at the exhaust have
exceeded 10 ppm in some cases, which is dangerous. Air Oasis
decided to stay out of this dangerous market.
In
the late 1980's it was discovered that the lower concentration
of ozone could have an effect on odors, mold and bacteria. Testing
this theory, determined that safe, low levels of ozone could
have a significant result with airborne mold, odors and bacteria.
The problem was to create a safe residential air purifier that
could produce safe, low concentrations of ozone that would not
exceed the .04 ppm Federal limits. This was accomplished in
the early 1990's using PCO (photo catalytic oxidation).
In
2003 the AHPCO Cell was developed. Rhodium was now added as
a catalyst and improved hydration compounds were also added.
Plus, a total new target concept was used. A 360 degree cell
provided maximum exposure of the catalysts. The bulb was reworked
and a UV Broad Spectrum bulb with a heavy duty filament and
long life coating was developed. This gave the new AHPCO Cell
an unprecedented 3 year, 25,000 hour life. This was a major
improvement over the current standard 8,000-10,000 hour UV bulb
life. The most important improvement was the efficacy, the new
cell design created more hydro peroxides, super oxide ions and
ozone levels were .01-.02 ppm or less. Country or forest air
is usually around .01-.02 ppm of ozone. Most people can smell
ozone at .01 ppm, and .04 ppm is the federal safe limit for
residential devices. The new cell also produces hydroxide ions
and ozonide ions which broadened the scope of capabilities.
By
using a AHPCO Cell with redundant oxidizers our scope of effectiveness
is widely broadened.
In
March of 2006 our new nano Nickel HCT catalyst coating was introduced.
With this new patent-pending coating a fifth powerful catalyst
metal (nano nickel) was added. We also reduced the particle
size of our metals down to a nanosize particle in order to increase
the surface area and therefore increase the kinetic rate of
reaction. The hydrophilic gel was also improved to further hydrate
the coating and react in combination with the metal catalysts
(by donating hydrogen to the ozone) to decompose ozone to form
hydroxide ions, and radicals, as well as hydro peroxides, such
as the HO2 radical and hydrogen peroxides, which are desirable
reaction products from the decomposition of ozone due to their
strong oxidizing properties, which enhances the germicidal effect
of UV radiation.
While
competitors are using TiO2 alone with no hydrating agents or
other less effective catalyst coatings, Air Oasis is setting
the trend for the next generation of air purifiers.
