Hanovia makes light work of controlling offensive odours
22 Aug 2000
Ultraviolet light has long been recognised as a technology for destroying odour-producing chemicals. However, it hasn't gained widespread acceptance because, as an electrical process, it has been deemed unsuitable for use whenever there is a risk of fire.
Ultraviolet specialist Hanovia has been working on this problem, and has now devised a UV odour control system which is certified for Zone 1 explosion hazard regions.
The system works by drawing air into a sealed contact chamber, which contains racks of UV arc tubes which constantly produce ozone. These molecules split into free radicals which attack the odour-bearing molecules, oxidising them into harmless, odourless compounds. The contact time required is around 20 seconds.
The device incorporates detectors which monitor the odour loading of the air, and a PLC which controls the number of UV arc tubes in use. The system is suitable for breweries, paper mills, paint factories and tanneries.
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