Bipolar Ionisation

Refers to the placement of Bipolar Ion Generators (BIG)into the supply airstream of ducted existing (or new) HVAC system, releasing Oxygen Ions into the space.

What Are Oxygen Ions?

Ions are molecules or atoms that contain an electrical charge and exist in nature in various sizes. Small ions only last between 30 and 300 seconds before losing their charge but are extremely active.

Small ion densities range from 900 to 1,100 negative ions and 1,000 to 1,200 positive ions per cubic centimetre (ions/cm3) in pristine natural environments. At sea level ion density is typically around 500 negative and 600 positive ions/cm3. In cities and inside buildings ion levels drop by 80% to 95% and can be barely detectable in small spaces.

As ion density decreases, so does the air quality. By increasing the quantity of both positively and negatively charged small oxygen ions, air quality is improved.

Why? The virus is airborne by attachment to particles or in an aerosolised state. Oxygen Ions released into the air will interact with airborne virus laden particles.

How? Equipment, producing Oxygen Ions, can be installed in the ducts of air-conditioning or ventilation or filtering systems releasing the ions into the supply air- stream which are then dispersed throughout the space.

BIG’s use an electronic charge to create a plasma field, filled with a high concentration of + and - ions.

Effect on particles:

As the ions travel with the air stream they attach to particles, pathogens, and gases. The ions help to agglomerate fine sub-micron particles. Combining the suspended in the air particles, creates larger particles clusters that can be picked up by AHU filters

The ions breakdown harmful VOCs with an Electron Volt Potential under twelve (eV<12) into harmless compounds like O2, CO2, N2, and H2O.

The negative ions contain an extra electron while the positive ions are missing an electron resulting in an unstable condition. In an effort to re-stabilize, these bipolar ions are attracted to atoms and molecules in the air to trade electrons with, effectively neutralizing, bacteria and virus cells.

Effect on viruses:

Contact with ions disrupts the pathogens' surface proteins, rendering them inactive.

The ions immobilise pathogens by robbing them of life-sustaining hydrogen.

Action? Install Bipolar Ionisation systems.

Consult with manufacturer for system design and deployment.

Advantages:

• Can react with almost all known small molecule viruses.

• Can work at human presence.

• Charged Oxygen Ions will react with all particles floating in the air (not just infected ones), so it is also a good system for general air cleaning.

• Easy to use.

• Small acquisition Cost.

• Very small operational cost

• Can be automated.

• Low maintenance cost.

• Does not take Floor space.

• Can be used in open court restaurants (under certain conditions).

• Good visual acceptance (provided user is happy with ducts)

Disadvantages:

• Required the existence and use of a ducted system

• Its full use and disinfection can be achieved under complete dispersion throughout the space. Duct and grill placement design must accommodate for the dispersion of the ions throughout the space. Return ducts and grills design should accommodate for the avoidance of airflow “cross-flow”.

• Design for air recirculation to engage, even when air-conditioning equipment stop the flow of air due to achievement of temperature Set-Point.

• Due to downward gravitational movement it is mostly effective on virus deposits on upper surfaces. Leaves undercounter surfaces untreated.

• Needs more than one unit to cover large areas.

• Leaves a minute amount of dust on surfaces.

One of the best publications on Bipolar Ionisation is by:

Dr. Philip M. Tierno Jr., Professor of Microbiology and Pathology, New York University School of Medicine

Titled: Cleaning Indoor Air using Bi-Polar Ionisation Technology

For more information & data on Bipolar Ionisation systems, as well as information on Products and Manufacturers please Contact us