Air treatment by photocatalysis

TriActive® air treatment systems  are based on three technologies: filtration/absorption, ultraviolet and photocatalysis, referred to as TRI-ACTIVE technology. These are environmentally friendly processes that operate without the use of chemicals or gases.

Our products are also equipped with a pre-filter to retain dust and other particles present in the air. After passing through the pre-filter, the air then passes through an activated carbon filtration system. Activated carbon is known for its ability to adsorb volatile organic compounds or VOCs. VOCs are molecules dissolved in the air, which are very harmful pollutants for indoor air; among them, odors, chemical compounds and all kinds of harmful gases. Activated carbon adsorbs up to 10% of its mass in pollutants: it thus contains pollution peaks.

Air treatment by photocatalysis can be described as an oxidation-reduction reaction catalyzed by an excited semiconductor material on the surface of which the reagents are adsorbed. Photocatalysis is said to be heterogeneous when the catalyst (the semiconductor) is not soluble in the reaction medium. The most widely used semiconductor is titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 stands out from other semiconductors thanks to many advantages such as its efficiency, its non-toxicity, its stability and its low cost.

In photocatalytic processes, the catalyst is activated by means of a light source. When the semiconductor is irradiated with an adequate light source, the absorption of a photon of energy greater than or equal to the gap makes it possible to carry out an electron transfer between the two bands and thus to form an electron/hole pair (e-/h+). The lifetime of these e-/h+ pairs is long enough to form an oxidation-reduction system and allow the capture of e- by electron acceptors and the filling of h+ by electron donors. The radicals generated thus allow the degradation of a wide range of pollutants, in particular Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are direct pollutants for humans and plants. By choosing TriActive technology involving photocatalysis, you contribute to the creation of healthy air. The figure above summarizes all the reactions occurring on the surface of a semiconductor, TiO2, under the action of adequate UV radiation.

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ADVANTAGES OF AIR TREATMENT BY PHOTOCATALYSIS  

• Environmentally friendly ecological process.

• Effective for microorganisms as well as VOCs such as ethylene

• No secondary pollution by ozone discharge. On the contrary, UV-C radiation degrades ozone

• Air treatment in all spaces, wide range of products allowing the adaptation of equipment in all types of structure.

• Significant reduction in the risk of diseases (respiratory diseases, SARS, cancers) linked to bacteria present in the air.

• Cost reduction: Reduced energy expenditure for heaters and air conditioners because photocatalysis avoids clogging of the latter.

• Efficiency: The annular/tangential flow reactor increases the passage time of microorganisms and allows optimal exposure for the inactivation of microorganisms and the mineralization of VOCs by photocatalysis/UVc

• Improved comfort for occupants of treated spaces and reduced risk of contamination.

• Does not charge the air with free radicals: The radicals are generated on the surface of the TiO2 and are quickly consumed by the degradation reactions

• Does not require any additional safety device and can be used without risk in the presence of personnel

• Safety of use: UVc rays are confined and operating personnel are not subject to their effect

• Return on investment: gain of 1 month out of 5 of storage and a limit of production losses of 15% to 40%. Also limits product weight loss during storage.

• Photocatalysis generates hydroxyl radicals which have a higher oxidation potential than ozone (2.8V against 2.07V) which allows better degradation of pollutants.

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATIONS  

Chemistry

Since air is a wealth to be preserved, the ecological solutions developed by TriActive® (UVRER's air treatment activity) have an important role to play in improving its quality.

Thanks to our devices, it is now possible to treat industrial gaseous effluents before discharge into the atmosphere. The TriActive technology then makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds into the atmosphere (eg: Benzene, Heptanal, Hexane, etc.). The rejection thresholds being increasingly low, photocatalysis then appears as an innovative and efficient solution adapted to industrial problems.

Agriculture

ANEMO purification systems are designed to ensure the quality of post-harvest products during storage and thus:

• Limit product degradation

• Limit mass loss

• Limit the use of chemicals during storage.

• Increase lifespan

The main problem during the post-harvest storage of fruits and vegetables is the presence of harmful elements in cold rooms and packaging areas. In addition to the development of micro-organisms, the emission of ethylene also accelerates the degradation of products (especially for climacteric fruits such as plums, peaches, etc.). TriActive solutions make it possible to respond to these two problems with a single air treatment device.

Transport

TriActive “Transport” technological solutions offer you the possibility of guaranteeing high atmospheric quality for:

• The transport of food and plants:

  • Reduce airborne contamination between products

  • Stop secondary contamination/pollution linked to internal air conditioning systems

• The travellers :

  • Limit the impact of chemical pollutants contained in materials

  • Reduce viral and bacterial contamination between travelers

  • Stop secondary contamination/pollution linked to internal air conditioning systems

Application examples:

• Ambulance

• Truck  

• Train

• Bus

• Refrigerated truck

Habitats

Materials, insulation, treatment and coating products, heating, air conditioning and furnishings that are part of an HQE approach are major sources of emissions of carcinogenic and mutagenic pollutants. TriActive has developed a specific system, which combines the most efficient air purification solutions. The integration of TriActive solutions is the assurance of a healthy environment with high energy performance.

• Private house

• DIY workshop

• Private garage

Medical world

TriActive technological solutions offer you the opportunity to reduce airborne nosocomial contamination in high-risk areas, to limit the health impact of chemical and microbial pollutants in environments and to ensure the well-being and health of patients and practitioners.

  Our technical and scientific teams are at your disposal for the integration of TriActive systems  within your environments.

  We will be able to respond to your specific problems of contamination, pollution, health/safety and will help you to enhance your HQA (High Quality Atmospheric) approach.

• Consultation Cabinet

• Waiting room

• Treatment room

Viticulture

One of the main concerns in the wine industry is the appearance of a corked or musty-earthy taste. The consequences of these two alterations are significant economic losses due to a reduction in volumes but also customer dissatisfaction linked to the quality of the product. TriActive® develops air treatment devices that perfectly meet the problems found in the wine-growing environment. Indeed, the combination of adsorption on activated carbon and degradation by photocatalysis makes it possible to effectively treat many chemical compounds and in particular TCA, TeCA, TBA and geosmin responsible for corky and musty-earthy tastes.

• Cold room

• Industrial gas discharge

• wine cellar

Public and collective places

TriActive® air purifiers can treat indoor air against bacteria, mold and other annoying particles in all types of structure (public place, nursery, school, private home, pet shop, etc.). Our systems also protect you against the risks associated with volatile pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene which can lead to pathologies such as asthma, allergies and others. Indeed, it has been shown that contrary to popular belief, the air in enclosed spaces is 10 times more polluted than the air outside, because it is confined, which increases the concentration of pollutants in the air. TriActive®  offers you solutions for disinfection and deodorization of the ambient air for collective living spaces that meet the requirements stipulated in the decree of December 21, 2011 of the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development.

• Aviation

• Government security

• Military Center

• Museum

• Restaurant

• Trade

• Health center

• Center for disabled people

• Rest house

• nurseries

• Public place

• Administrative toilets

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