Gulf Construction Online - Ionisation ‘proven to reduce MS2 phage’

IAQ & Ventilation

Plasma Air ioniser

Ionisation ‘proven to reduce MS2 phage’

01 July 2020

Plasma Air, a leading innovator in indoor air quality that manufactures heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and air purification products, says its ionisation technology has been proven to be effective in the reduction of MS2 bacteriophage, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), in indoor environments.

Tests conducted by Tayra – a specialist HVAC company and Plasma Air’s long-term business and technical partner in Spain – and backed by the Spanish Ministry of Defence Biological Laboratory has proven the effectiveness of its ionisation technology, says the US-based company.

“There is mounting research to suggest that clean, disinfected air plays a vital role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19,” says an official for Plasma Air. “While respiratory droplets are considered the primary transmission route, aerosols are being considered by many health authorities as a possible mode of infection transmission along with surface contact. This suggests that viral particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled.”

The research tests took place in simulated ICU hospital rooms within the coverted hotel. This environment was explicitly designed to test air ionisation on small aerosolised viral particles. The laboratory analysis was carried out from May 4 to 14, according to Plasma Air.

The Plasma Air ioniser was chosen to suit the specific airflow and installed in the entrance to the fan coil unit of the supply air duct test space. The bacteriophage MS2 was then nebulised into the test space. During the two distinct phases of the test, the supply air entering the test room was ionised using Plasma Air’s bipolar ionisation system. In contrast, during the second phase, the supply air into the room was untreated.

“A reduction of approximately 2 log units of the bacteriophage was obtained in the air that was ionised by the Plasma Air system. This corresponds to a 99 per cent reduction after only 10 minutes of exposure to ionisation,” says the official.

The experiments also involved academics in the fields of engineering, microbiology, and computational fluid dynamics, along with Spanish government-appointed testing labs.

The tests also included using manikins to simulate ICU patients. The manikins were equipped with specialised filters to measure the amount of bacteriophage that was being breathed in with and without air ionisation. The levels of MS2 bacteriophage and associated particle counts were measured using electrical low-pressure impactors, and swabs were taken from walls and surfaces for analysis. The level of airborne MS2 bacteriophage was measured using the Spanish authorities calibrated equipment for detecting biothreats. Results from this test showed a reduction in the order of 0.70-0.85 log pfu/sq cm corresponding to nearly 80 per cent reduction in surface MS2 bacteriophage after 10 minutes between the test with and without ionisation.

Air ionisation works through the reaction of negatively and positively charged ions. The ions attach to airborne pathogens, such as viruses, causing a chemical reaction on the cell membrane’s surface. This deactivates the viruses, rendering them harmless.

Plasma Air’s ionisation system used during the Spanish trials are available commercially worldwide from a network of distributors and are used in offices, hotels, transport hubs, schools and hospitals, as well as in the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and the new Doha and Riyadh metro systems.

“Coronavirus is a global crisis and nowhere more so than inside built environments such as transport hubs and work environments,” explains Chris Russell, Vice President of Plasma Air. “The effective elimination of airborne virus is a major breakthrough that can make workplaces, transport, entertainment and educational facilities safer for employees, commuters and students.”

Plasma Air’s HVAC purification systems use highly efficient bipolar ionisation technology to kill airborne viruses and neutralise indoor air pollutants. Its systems have been proven in thousands of applications to provide the highest level of air quality improvement for airports, schools, hotels, offices and homes.