We Welcome Our Skeptics With Answers

While filters used in many of the free standing single room air purifiers, trap particles, other purification methods alter or destroy the particles altogether as is the case with The Original Air Probe Sanitizer. The two most common methods use either UV light or catalytic oxidation or in our case both to accomplish this. UV light deactivates microorganisms, molds, bacteria, and viruses in the air by altering the structure of their DNA, thereby stopping them from multiplying. Catalytic oxidation uses a combination of light and a catalyst to convert pollutants into harmless components. Both methods are very effective at destroying viruses, bacteria, and mold.

Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive species that attack most of the organic molecules. They are highly oxidizing in nature which is attributed to their oxidation potential (Tchobanoglous et al., 2003).

Hydroxyl radicals attack essential cell components and are therefore lethal to pathogenic viruses and bacteria (both gram -ve and +ve) – both in the air and on surfaces. Pathogenic viruses suffer from oxidation of their surface structures. Hydroxyl radicals disrupt the lipid envelope and/or capsid around the virus, causing lysing. They also penetrate the virus’s interior and disrupt the genome. These actions inactivate the virus. Hydroxyl radicals also pass through the outer cell wall structures of bacteria and oxidise the membrane responsible for electron transport, making the organism non-viable.[11]

Hydroxyl radicals have been shown to modify the IgE-binding capacity in pollens, spores and pet dander through the degradation and modification of the tertiary structure and/or the induction of protein denaturation and/or aggregation, resulting in a modified allergen structure. Hydroxyl radicals instantly denature Der p1 and Der f1 (house dust mites). Hydroxyl radicals oxidise their protein structures, for example causing protein backbone damage due primarily to a hydrogen abstraction or oxygen addition. Both hydroxyl radical initiated oxidation mechanisms result in a modified allergen structure. Modified allergen structures are no longer recognised by the immune system and therefore histamine and other chemical mediators are not released.

The atmospheric chemistry leading to hydroxyl radical creation is generally absent indoors. However, new technologies, pioneered by NASA (see Next Generation Hybrid Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) for Trace Contaminant Control (H-PCO)), have now made it possible to reproduce the outdoor effects of hydroxyl radicals indoors, enabling the continuous deactivation of viruses and bacteria, removal of toxic gases (such as ammonia, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde) and odours, and neutralisation of allergens throughout an inside space. In a similar development, Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS) are synthesized using two processes in parallel, namely, electrospraying and ionization of water. Pressurized water exits a hypodermic needle into an electric field (3KV-5KV) to produce a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily hydroxyl (OH•) and superoxide (O2−) radicals. Good results were reported inactivating pathogens.

The Original Air Probe Sanitizer generates UV-C light in the specific range required to facilitate the science described above. It is by this method that this device effectively and safely sanitizes the air and the surfaces inside of a HVAC system. This sanitized internal environment allows the system blowers to circulate sanitized air throughout your entire indoor environment.

RESULTS

When we were given the task of performing this study, it was important to test two units that were identical in size and maintenance history, and load demand. We were given AHU-6 (control) and AHU-7 (test) in the Physical Education Building on the Emory University Campus.

As the initial readings show (ref. App. A), AHU-6 had airflow of 41,683 cfm, a pressure drop across the coil of 0.45” water column, and a temperature drop 11 degrees. The Air Probe Sanitizer was not installed on AHU-6 and as a result, the final measurements taken four weeks later were approximately the same.

AHU-7 had initial readings of 38,311 cfm, a pressure drop across the coil of 0.49” water column, and a temperature drop of 9.6 degrees. The Air Probe Sanitizer was installed on AHU-7 and the final readings taken four weeks later show airflow of 44,162 cfm, a pressure drop across the coil of 0.47” water column, and a temperature drop of 11.4 degrees. That is an increase in capacity of 5,851 cfm or roughly 15%.

We calculate this increase to be approximately 14.63 tons of air conditioning. By using the stated 0.607k/ton energy cost of the chiller that serves AHU-7, and multiply by 24 (hours/day) by 365 (days/year) by $0.055 (Emory electrical rate) we arrive at $4718.00 in annual electrical savings on this single air handler per year. That gives you a return on investment of 16 months on this installation based only on energy savings. Had this installation been performed on an air handler that was served by on of Emory’s older Chillers, operating at perhaps 1kW/ton, as opposed to this relatively new, highly efficient chiller plant, the savings would have been $7,046.00 per year for a payback of approximately 10 months (ref. App. B).

Keep in mind that these calculations only address the savings associated with increasing efficiency and decreasing energy cost. We have not factored in the coil cleaning supplies, chemicals to treat drain pans, cost of labor to clean coils, or any other cost related to litigation or health issues that arise from indoor air pollution.

CONCLUSIONS

As the results indicate, there are significant monetary savings just in the operational side of running your HVAC system more efficiently. But there are also other significant savings that were not directly addressed in this study: 

Maintenance:

Another area that will see considerable savings will be the maintenance side of your HVAC system. Every year tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent maintaining and cleaning HVAC systems. With the installation of Air Probe Sanitizer, you will decrease down time and labor costs associated with the need to clean coils because it will be done automatically 24/7. You will no longer need coil cleaning supplies, bleach tablets or anti-microbial chemicals for the drain pans. Best of all, by keeping the coils clean your HVAC unit will always operate at its highest efficiency, allowing you to see a decrease in both energy and maintenance cost.

Sick Building Syndrome & Litigation:

Above and beyond the improved Indoor Air Quality, increased efficiency, and decreased maintenance costs you will experience by installing the Air Probe Sanitizer, you will also be proactive in the growing concerns over sick Building Syndrome and the negative effects of indoor air pollution. Although it is very difficult to put a dollar amount on the effects of indoor pollution, we are beginning to see more awareness in government agencies, the media and scientific community. Last year alone there were over 28,000 lawsuits filed with relation to mold contamination in homes and businesses in addition to lawsuits related to Sick Building Syndrome. Of those, approximately 90% were traced back to contamination of the HVAC or ventilation system. Let me direct your attention to a double-blind study that was performed using UV-C in an office building environment. Dr. Dick Menzies of the Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit of the Montreal Chest Institute performed the study using the Air Probe Sanitizer in the HVAC system of a with 771 occupants (ref. App. C). The unit was alternately off for 12 weeks and on for 4 weeks for a total of 48 weeks of test time. The operation of the UVGI resulted in 99% reduction of microbial and endotoxin concentrations in the ventilation system. The resulting study showed significant reductions in complaints from work related symptoms. Current estimates indicate increases in worker productivity 15-20%. These results were accomplished with UVGI in use only 1/3 of the time.

We at APD strongly believe that we have the solution that you are looking for. Not only can we address your IAQ needs, but we can also eliminate headaches and costs associated with HVAC and Indoor Air Quality. By installing the Air Probe Sanitizer, you can stop cleaning coils, start increasing the efficiency in your AHU’s, become proactive against rising indoor air pollution litigation claims, and best of all, start adding money to your bottom line. 

Advantages of “The Original Air Probe Sanitizer”

• Fights germs. Germicidal effect disinfects the air.
  • Kills germs, bacteria, viruses, mildew, mold spores such as Stachybotrys and black mold, etc. as they circulate through The air.
•  Help stop the spread of diseases and sicknesses.
  • Short wave (UV-C) kills or de-activates bacteria, viruses, and other primitive organisms.
• Stops mold and bacteria growth inside your central air conditioning system. 
  • No more mildew and moldy odor from your air conditioning system.
• Eliminate odors, 
  • Makes the air in your rooms smell fresh and clean while producing, ZERO OZONE.
• Destroys VOC’S (volatile organic compounds).
• Eliminates the need to ever clean the mold off your cooling coil (evaporator coil) again.
• Eliminates the need for periodic duct cleaning by keeping your duct work clean and dust free inside. 
• Generates safe and highly effective hydroxyl, the natural compound that scrubs pollution from the earth’s atmosphere. Hydroxyls and Hydroxyl radicals are formed when the UV-C trips hydrogen atoms from water molecules.
• Generates Helpful negative Ions, which are circulated out of your cooling and heating vents and into your living space by your central air conditioner’s fan or blower.
• Helps decrease cooling costs.

No more air conditioner coil cleaning

The high-energy UV-C ultraviolet rays from the purifying probes shine on the cold side of the air conditioner evaporator coil. This eliminates the normal mold, slime, and gel formations that can plug the coil, inhibit air flow, and increase cooling costs. 

• Act as breeding areas for bacteria 
• Can be blown out into the room, where they can be inhaled and cause sinus infections, sickness, and allergies. 

“The Original Air Probe Sanitizer”

Air Purification System

PATENTED

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

24 Hour Air Purification System

No Ozone

SYSTEMS AVAILABLE FOR:

• Hospitals 
• Office Buildings
• Nursing Homes 
• Homes 
• School Districts 
• Hotel Rooms 
• Day Cares 
• Pre Schools

Bring the Power of the Sun's purifying power of Ultraviolet-C into your home or business.