AtmosAir Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
AtmosAir Bi-Polar Ionization is an indoor air purification technology. It works by adding a controllable amount of both positive and negative oxygen ions to the supply air of an air handling system. Very simply, an ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost an electron. Both positive and negative ions exist in the air. By increasing the quantity of charged oxygen ions, air quality is improved to “fresh air” levels.
AtmosAir bi-polar oxygen ions surround the VOCs and break down hydrocarbon chains that ultimately make these complex compounds into immeasurable levels of carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Yes, hundreds of references to BPI effectiveness can be found in published literature. AtmosAir has been third party tested by the likes of UL, ETL, ATL, MicroChem Laboratories and various other respected laboratories. AtmosAir Bi-Polar Ionization has been used worldwide.
No. The technology increases the number of oxygen ions, not the number of oxygen molecules. It revitalizes stable oxygen molecules into unstable oxygen ions – these ions want to react with pollutants by trading electrons to become stable again.
Yes. For complete safety, our systems have been tested and listed as UL under Category Code ABQK (Accessories, Air Duct Mounted) and UL Standards 1995 and 867, respectively, no exceptions. AtmosAir is also ENERGY STAR certified, EU standard certified and ANSI/AHAM third party tested.
AtmosAir composite tubes will degrade and become ineffective after approximately 24 months. In this case, the tubes should be changed once every 24 months.
Yes, if the ionization unit is powered and you touch the tube, you could be injured. Therefore, before touching the tube or removing it for replacement, make sure the power to the unit is off by unplugging it from the power source.
AtmosAir warranties the life of the system for two calendar years. Many commercial projects are warrantied for the life of however long a client changes their tubes and maintains their system in a timely, efficient manner.
AtmosAir systems are equally effective whether the air system is 100% outside air and exhaust air, 100%recirculated air or something in between. AtmosAir systems generate bi-polar ions that are carried by the supply air and distributed through the supply diffusers into the indoor space. Our systems are engineered to saturate the space with ions and have the ions react with contaminants within the space. Most ions are spent up in the space by these continual reactions, while some may exit through the return air but are spent up by media filters, so even in a recirculation air system, ions do survive the trip back. If the AtmosAir system is designed and engineered correctly, the indoor space will be enriched with bi-polar ions, resulting in cleaner air.
Oppositely charged AtmosAir bi-polar oxygen ions cause particles to attract to other particles and become bigger and heavier by a process called “agglomeration”. These bigger heavier particles can now be better trapped by HVAC system filters, allowing the filters to operate more efficiently. Many small particles generated within a space by people and their activities may never get to system filters and ordinarily stay suspended in air for long periods and can be breathed in, increasing the chance of illness and respiratory distress. The AtmosAir BPI process will drop these particles to the floor, quickly taking them away from the air we breathe.
AtmosAir positive and negative ions surround the hemagglutinin (surface proteins that form on organisms and trigger infections) and change into highly reactive OH groups called hydroxyl radicals. These take a hydrogen molecule from the hemagglutinin and change it into water. The ions destroy the virus surface structure, for example its envelopes and spikes, on a molecular level. As a result, the virus cannot infect even if it enters the body.
Yes, AtmosAir has a specially designed meter that reads ion levels.
No, AtmosAir has been tested by UL-867 standards and is UL2998 certified. AtmosAir will not produce any measurable amount of ozone in occupied spaces.
First, perform a local check and ensure that the green light on the front of your ionization unit is illuminated. If the green light is not on, call the contractor that installed your unit and have them service it. If the green light is on but you do not feel that the air is being cleaned sufficiently, you can turn the ionization control knob up until you are satisfied with the air quality. If your ionization tube has not been replaced within the last 24 months, you should contact your distributor or contractor and have them replace the tube.
No. Unlike UV lamps, which can harm your eyes, there is no danger in looking at a powered ionization tube.
The tubes should not be subjected to temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) occurs when occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities.
Yes, AtmosAir systems are installed in various cigar bars, as well as casinos that have many smokers. Smoke mitigation is a strength of the AtmosAir system and can help a facility reduce the complex contaminants that make up smoke.
Filters & Air Purification Technologies
Frequently Asked Questions
Most technologies you see on the market today are “passive” technologies. Media filters catch particles in the return air stream are the most common. Ultraviolet (UV) and Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) filtration systems that purify air on the return side of the air system. AtmosAir is a “proactive” air cleaning system, and works to clean the air people are breathing in their occupied space.
Typical media filters do not perform particularly well in regard to removing microorganisms, VOCs and particles. High-efficiency media filters are best against particles, but do not filter up to 70% of the air that finds its way into “the space.” Some filters are capable of “catching” or eliminating particles and VOCs from the air stream, but they can’t effectively break down microorganisms, VOCs and particles at their source so that they do not reproduce.
UV lights are only effective on a handful of Contaminants of Concern (COC), and these would have to pass through the UV light rays for a period of time long enough to be effective. UV lights do not treat any of the air in the occupied space, nor are they effective on VOCs and odors. UV lights require that the air be returned to the air handling system – we label this a “reactive” system. However, UV lights can help the performance of your AtmosAir systems and overall IAQ. Many hospitals have both AtmosAir BPI and UV lights in order to be proactive against bacteria and COC. UV lights have also traditionally been used to keep cooling coils clean.
Based on experience, different environments call for different amounts of systems. AtmosAir’s product selection tool helps determine the appropriate equipment for the building.
Yes, the AtmosAir equipment is not a catch and grab filter. It does not trap particles, but rather reduces airborne pollutants and particles in the occupied space – where you live, eat, sleep, etc. In fact, because your AtmosAir system causes airborne particles to stick together, your filters will become more efficient by trapping these larger particles.
No, AtmosAir Bi-Polar Ionization is an air conditioning component that works in conjunction with mechanical filtration and is not intended to replace components such as media filters.
AtmosAir has developed a sizing spreadsheet that will quickly help generate an AtmosAir selection schedule. Consult AtmosAir application engineers for custom solutions and guidance.