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Photocatalysis

Photocatalysis is a photochemical process that normally takes place in nature thanks to the combined action of sun rays (UV-C) with the presence of some noble metals, in relation to the relative humidity of the air. Integrating a photocatalytic system into innovative technologies creates an environmental sanitization service, which boasts of greater advantages than the rest of the offer on the market.

Some of the economic advantages of photocatalysis sanitization are its effectiveness against different types of harmful particles, systems do not require consumables and require poor maintenance, moreover, they are perfectly compatible with the presence of people, therefore, they do not interrupt work activities.

Photocatalysis was first adopted for the treatment of water, but in recent years it has been proven the biocidal property that has allowed it to be used for environments, becoming one of the most effective methods for sanitizing air and indoor surfaces.

Photocatalysis: how does it work?

Photocatalytic oxidation P.C.O. (Photocatalytic Oxidation) is obtained through the reproduction of the same natural process of reaction between solar radiation (through special UV-C lamps at specific frequencies) and some elements (generally noble metals).

Sanixair photocatalysis devices generate hydroxyl (OH) groups with high sanitizing power, capable of combining with relative air humidity (H2O) giving rise to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules that are distributed in the environment and surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide is nothing more than ordinary hydrogen peroxide, which is not released into the environment through saturation or nebulization, but is the product of a safe and temporary photochemical reaction.

Photocatalysis involves controlled UV-C frequencies, OH hydroxyl groups and hydrogen peroxide that act in a combined and safe way for effective sanitization capable of eliminating up to 99.9% of from viruses, bacteria, PM 2.5 - 10, VOC and Nox, pollen, fungi, yeasts and odors.

Photocatalysis: is effective against viruses?

The photochemical reaction that is created thanks to photocatalysis allows you to destroy, thanks to a natural active ingredient, pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, VOC, Nox and odors.

P.C.O. photocatalysts designed by Sanixair can be quickly installed by personnel specialized in the ventilation ducts of the affected structures.

The photocatalytic process in addition to the main action of sanitization against viruses, bacteria, fungi, moulds and yeasts, drastically reduces the presence of odors in environments, is proven effective in eliminating V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compound)of formaldehyde and other toxic organic compounds.

Photocatalysis: comparison of photocatalysts

There are solutions for the sanitization of indoor and outdoor environments that can include the combination of different systems: the use of photocatalysts with UV-C light, those with visible light and painting with photocatalytic paints. The latter are also presented as photocatalytic ceramics that are applied as a coating on the walls and perform the function of neutralizing the polluting particles present in the environment. Photocatalytic paints and photocatalytic ceramics reduce pollutants by up to 88% and eliminate 99.9% of moulds and bacteria.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most widely used photocatalysts. It is a crystalline powder, white in color, very effective only if irradiated by specific UV rays. This limit is overcome by Sanixair technologies thanks to the use of catalysts sensitive to other kinds of light frequencies.

Titanium dioxide has been used by NASA to sanitize the environments of some vehicles, these places are evidence of the effectiveness of catalyst systems.

Sanixair, inspired by this valuable experience, has perfected the sanitization technology adapting it to the challenges and needs of society. Following investigations carried out in collaboration with Italian research institutes, an innovative, efficient and eco-sustainable sanitation system has been created.

Photocatalysis: the application in innovative technologies

The products developed allow to sanitize different environments for shape and functionality, from large to small sizes, self-ventilating or from aeraulic channels, retractable or as a design object...

AirBox: has the shape of a small box, can be supported or easily installed on the wall, sanitizing up to 90 m³, therefore, is practical at home or in the office.
AirCar: designed for the cockpits of vehicles, is activated with the ignition of the vehicle and sanitizes in continuous air and surfaces, covers from 30 to 200 m³.
AirDress: is a small device of continuous sanitization for wardrobes, it simply has to be placed inside them and protects the garments and the wearer.
Health & Light: is a sanitizing system placed inside designer lamps, the design of the lamps makes them ideal for different styles of furniture.
VulcanoAir: is a piece of furniture with inside the sanitization system that protects the rooms up to 60 m³.
Nova: it is a lamp, as well as a design object, ideal for table sanitization.
AirLift: it is designed for the continuous sanitization of lifts and hoists for civil and industrial use, sanitizing up to 30 m³.
AirPanel: is designed to be installed as a panel in the false ceiling, is self-ventilating and fits perfectly thanks to its standard measures and easy application, sanitizing up to 90 m³.
AirBoxMax: is suitable for sanitizing high air volumes, can be installed in suspension or wall and is equipped with a powerful ventilation system that allows sanitizing from 1.000 up to 8.000 m³ of air per hour.
Selfie: is a sanitizing device for aeraulic channels, is ideal for sanitizing high air volumes, from 1,000 to 5,000 m³.
Gap: it is designed for the continuous sanitization of and through the aeraulic channels, it is ideal for sanitizing high volumes of air, from 1.000 to 4.000 m³.
FC3: is a small device with ceramic catalyst, is quick installation inside the fan-coils and sanitises up to 800 m³.
AirCarry: is a transportable device equipped with a ventilation system and thanks to the combination of ionization with photocatalysis is able to sanitize any microclimate up to 1.500 m³ of air.
AirBox Plus: is a self-ventilating device with an innovative design, which sanitizes up to 200 m³ of air thanks to the combination of photocatalysis and ionization processes.
AirSplit: is ideal for homes and workplaces, thanks to the combination of the two processes, ionization and photocatalysis, and a ventilation system sanitizing 150 to 1.200 m³ of air.

Sanixair PCO (Photocatalytic Oxidation)

Sanixair’s innovative technologies are the result of research and development in collaboration between two important Italian research institutes, the IIT and the chemistry department of the University of Florence Ugo Schiff.

The Sanixair research and development team has never stopped, but today we see the results obtained: the improvement of the photocatalytic compound, the selection of production materials less susceptible to deterioration and the insulation of the most performing light frequencies.

Sanixair’s PCO: the advantages

Sanixair technologies are innovative, not only for the efficiency of sanitization processes but for the integration of IoT(Internet of Things) sensor systems, which make the devices controllable by the user and the Sanixair operating headquarters.

The function of iot sensors is both to control technologies and to monitor, in fact, it is possible to program a series of interventions remotely. From the operating site, if requested by the user, it will be possible to receive a monthly report on the progress of the technology and its results on the microclimate.

The result of the research of innovative technologies has led to a system of active sanitization h24 that does not use chemicals and therefore allows you to abandon the old methods of occasional disinfection.

The service is accompanied by a periodic certificate issued by Sanixair for companies where it is certified that the structure is continuously sanitized 24/7.

Another firm point on which Sanixair wants to make the difference compared to the market offer of the sector is to make its service accessible, offering the possibility of avoiding large initial investments and making its management simpler and more direct for the user.

Sanixair’s solution for the health of environments is continuous sanitization, offered thanks to specific projects for each case that can include the combination of different technologies and systems.

Two other advantages of the service are installation and maintenance; the first, not always necessary, is performed quickly by Sanixair specialized personnel, this is allowed by the convenience of these technologies designed specifically to facilitate their use, starting from the installation; the second, thanks to the absence of consumables and constant monitoring is occasional, practical and does not require the interruption of the operation of the system.

The economic accessibility to the service is also offered in the form of monthly rent, in fact, you can opt for the rental of the system, which allows you to take advantage of all the benefits deriving from a healthy microclimate without buying immediately or necessarily sanitization systems.