Competing technologies
Read about common air purification methods and how they compare with Aircode™ technology.
HEPA Filtration
(High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filtration
- Pleated type filter that has proven 99.97% efficient to trap particles 0.3 microns and larger
- Can be incorporated into central HVAC systems or used stand alone
- Can not treat the source of contaminants, can only filter contaminated air from entering an area
- Is not effective on many mold spores, bacteria and viruses
- Will restrict air flow when incorporated into central systems and increase energy costs
- Requires several maintenance visits to replace used filters each year
UV (Ultra-Violet light) Purification
- Disinfects by passing air through ultra-violet light
- Can be incorporated into central HVAC systems or used stand alone
- UV light can only treat contaminants that pass directly through the light field; ambient air that does not enter through the light field will not be treated
- UV is dependant on contaminants being exposed to the light field for a time period long enough for the contaminant to be treated; the treatment periods vary greatly depending on which contaminants are being targeted
- UV is dangerous when exposed to humans
- Some elements (for example, Aspergillus Niger) are resistant to UV altogether
- Will not restrict air flow when incorporated into central systems
- Requires maintenance each year to replace worn bulbs
"Needlepoint" Ionization
- Creates single polarity ionization to attract particles
- The single polarity will use walls or any nearby surface as the needed opposite polarity. This will attract the charged particles to that surface, producing "black or dirty walls"
- Will only work in a small proximity zone immediately around the unit
- Uses high energy (25,000 to 40,000 volts) to produce ions
- Mostly ineffective against bacteria, spores and VOC compounds
- Creates uncontrollable positive ion output which when coupled with high energy output will create ozone
- Will interfere with wireless and RF equipment
- Can not be incorporated into central HVAC systems
Comparison of air purification methods:
| Hepa air filters | UV light | Needle point ionization | Dust collectors |
Aircode™ | |
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| Both portable and in-duct systems |  |
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| Entire building purification | |
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| Will not resist HVAC airflow | |
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| Uses low energy | |
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| Produces a balance of positive and negative ions | |
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| Is effective on mold spores | |
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| Doesn't produce ozone | |
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| Is effective on particles | |
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| Can treat source of contamination | |
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| Will not interfere with TV, radio, wireless or RF devices | |
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"Dust Collectors"
- Examples of these units are the many "stick style" or "tower style" portable units sold on TV or in consumer electronics stores
- Collects particles on a metal surface contained in the unit
- Produces single polarity ions by electrifying collector plates
- Only effective inches from the unit
- Creates ozone
- Ineffective against bacteria, spores and VOC compounds
- Cannot be incorporated into central HVAC systems
The Aircode™ System
- Disinfects air by producing and distributing a controlled amount of positive and negative ions which restore oxygen molecules to an active state
- By controlling positive ion output and using low energy (2,200 to 3,000 volts) ozone is not produced
- Effective against bacteria, mold spores, VOC compounds particles and nano-particles
- Can treat the source of contamination
- Can be incorporated into central HVAC systems or used stand-alone
- Will not restrict air flow when incorporated into central HVAC systems
- Requires annual maintenance to replace worn tubes