Originating from sheer necessity and its own use, Noordwijk-based European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) developed Sanity Air to decontaminate astronaut(s) and keep the air in space station ISS clean. Today, OMS-i markets the product.
OMS-i Indoor Climate Solutions provides solutions equipped with the latest technology (UVC and carbon filter technology) that removes virus, bacteria, fungi, particulate matter (pm10 to pm0.3), VOCs, SO2, NO, NOX, ozone, pollen (hay fever) and odors from indoor air. "By doing so, we prevent employee absenteeism and illness," says CEO Jeroen Krijt. He recently visited the horticulture trade fair HortiContact and sees opportunities.
"Our innovation is in the use of UV-C technology as a disinfection method. Hospitals were already using this in the 19th century." OMS-i is betting on air purification with Sanity Air. For surface disinfection, the company offers Care222.
The Sanity Air, together with Care222, pictured elsewhere in this article, is in use in a pilot in the bulb sector.
The air purification system is available in three capacities. The Sanity Air Basic is suitable for 75 square meters, or 190 cubic meters. The largest version, the Sanity Air Extra Plus, can purify 300 square meters and 900 cubic meters of air. "And at the request of a relation, the factory is currently making a system with 1,500 cubic meters capacity."
Safety is assured because UV-C in the Sanity Air is in a closed metal cabinet and Care222 uses a frequency that is not dangerous, Jeroen assures. "Care222 is also equipped with a mechanism that turns the lamp off in case of beam disruption. The power required is comparable to a desk lamp."
Photo right: the DISIbox, an air purifier for small spaces (10m3) such as a study or car. This product from OMS-I can be bought via Bol.com for €69.50.
Horticultural application
The Warmond-based company is already active in various industries. Think of restaurants and hotels, gyms, offices and clinics, but also ornamental plant cultivation companies, bulb companies and agricultural companies dealing with bird flu.
Some pilot projects were carried out in the bulb sector recently. The projects initially revolved around removing ethylene from a bulb storage cell. "There we saw that fungal activity was greatly reduced. Until now, ozone has been used for this purpose."
Ethylene (C₂H₄) is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC or Volatile Organic Compound). VOCs are organic compounds that contribute to air pollution, processing/dispersing mold, stimulating decay and ozone formation, Jeroen lists. "Furthermore, some of these compounds are known to have adverse effects on human health."
With the use of UV-C technology, horticulture can reduce the use of plant protection products, among others, Jeroen expects.
"This will allow people to work safer and you can safely disinfect cold rooms, storage areas and greenhouse air, in an environmentally friendly way." Jeroen uses the word "expect" because the customer ultimately decides. "And that is what we are waiting for now."
Photo right: The Care222
The air and surface disinfection equipment can be deployed in the room with several units simultaneously to achieve the desired hourly capacity. "In other words, small but fine and deployable in such a way that a single point of failure is not present and every m² of the storage area becomes clean. Our equipment can be used loose (mobile e.g. on a cart), but can also be mounted on the wall and/or the greenhouse roof. Or, if the customer has a construction to which our equipment can be attached, we are happy to work on it."
OMS-i's systems work together with existing ventilation systems. In terms of maintenance, replacing filters is necessary. How often this is needed depends on the level of contamination.
For more information:
Jeroen J. Krijt
OMS-i Indoor Climate Solutions
06 51458796
Jeroen.krijt@oms-i.nl
www.oms-i.nl