Photocatalytic air purifiers

Every minute we take a few breaths. Oxygen is vital to us, and our health is largely dependent on the quality of the air entering our lungs. Air purifiers have long been used in production, but are increasingly being used in everyday life. Indeed, in big cities, the atmosphere is very polluted. An innovative development was the air purifier with a photocatalytic filter, operating on a unique principle. What is the advantage of such a system and how to choose the photocatalytic cleaner correctly, we will consider in detail in the article.

How does a photocatalytic cleaner work?

The basis of the principle of operation of the device is catalysis. Recall from chemistry lessons that a catalyst is a substance that stimulates and accelerates a chemical reaction, but at the same time remains unused.

The photocatalytic purifier filtration system uses two main elements: ultraviolet and a catalyst.

The device uses a transmissive porous glass as a filter. Possessing high absorbent qualities, it perfectly retains particles from the air. The role of the catalyst is played by titanium dioxide, which is lightly deposited on the same glass.

The action of the device is as follows: the purifier absorbs air, the filter traps various particles, ultraviolet radiation is directed to the area of ​​the filter with the catalyst. Under the influence of intense UV light, titanium dioxide activates oxidative processes on its surface. In the course of such a reaction, organic particles that get on the filter are decomposed into safe components: carbon dioxide and ordinary water. Substances break down at a subtle molecular level. Gas evaporates immediately, water as it dries. In fact, the purifier does not accumulate pollution from the atmosphere, but collects and immediately completely destroys them. This is precisely due to its high practicality.

Efficiency

A photocatalytic air purifier is many times more effective than its predecessors - carbon filtration devices. As experts were able to prove, coal "air washes" cannot cope with the neutralization of some organic compounds, for example, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde compounds, nitrogen oxides. But it is precisely these substances that are present in the greatest amount in city air, where it is full of smog and exhaust gases.

The catalyst cleaner is able to cope with such types of complex and dangerous contaminants as:

1. Tobacco smoke, cinder, carbon monoxide and any other toxic gas.
2. Industrial toxic emissions.
3. Dust mites.
4. Pollen of flowering plants.
5. Vapors of household and other chemicals.
6. Unpleasant odors caused by organic decomposition (decay of food, animal corpses and insects).
7. Microparticles of human and animal waste products (particles of skin, wool).
8. Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi).

We focus on the fact that photocatalytic air purifiers can completely destroy dangerous microbes that cause such serious diseases as Staphylococcus aureus, intestinal flu, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, mycosis, chickenpox, respiratory inflammation, pneumonia, etc.

The device is able to protect people from infection during periods of seasonal influenza epidemics, and it also significantly increases the chances of not becoming infected if an infected person is nearby.The unit is very useful for people suffering from allergies and asthma. This is a real lifeguard for a home in which there are small children.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any device has its advantages and weaknesses. Consider the photocatalytic "washing" of air from this position.

pros

1. Substances entering the filtration system do not accumulate, but immediately undergo complete destruction.
2. There is no need to change filters, because nothing remains in them. It saves time and money.
3. The highest degree of air purification from organic particles and chemical compounds. The device destroys about 99% of toxins. In comparison with coal purifiers, catalyst ones surpass them hundreds of times.
4. Fairly high speed air purification. The device is able to neutralize air in an average living room in 15 minutes.
5. Low power consumption.
6. Low noise operation.
7. Almost instant neutralization of unpleasant odors.
8. In the process of destruction, toxins decompose into environmental, completely harmless components.
9. Easy operation and maintenance of the device.

Minuses

1. The bio-filter is ineffective against inorganic pollution. For example, a cleaner will not destroy concrete dust, synthetic nap.
2. Together with harmful microorganisms, the unit also kills the beneficial microbes necessary for the formation of healthy microflora in the body. It cannot be operated too often.

How to choose?

To choose a high-quality photocatalytic home air purifier, we learn what criteria to pay attention to.

Power

The unit performance directly depends on the power parameter. A low power level means that the “sink” will purify the air too slowly, while consuming a significant amount of energy.

High power - a guarantee of high performance. Today, manufacturers are trying to introduce systems to save electricity in their models, which is an important factor.

Additional filters

As already mentioned above, the catalyst filtration system cannot purify air from inorganic pollution. To enjoy the microclimate in a room free of synthetic particles, it is necessary to choose models with additional filters. The effectiveness of such a device increases many times. But keep in mind that additional filters will have to be changed as they become dirty.

Control

All modern models have an electronic control system. Most appliances have remote controls. Experts recommend choosing units that are controlled not only from the remote controls, but also through the panel on the case itself. An electronic board will facilitate the selection of settings, displaying the current settings.

Useful Options

A very useful function is the built-in sensor (hygrometer), which analyzes the degree of air pollution. The “smart” system independently chooses settings, depending on the quality of the microclimate in the room. Also, in many new models, the option of self-cleaning and ionization of air is implemented.

Photocatalysis with an additional function of humidifying the air is on sale: water is collected in a special tank, the device gradually evaporates it. Thus, the “sink” combines immediately an air humidifier.

More expensive models are equipped with a programming option and can independently activate and deactivate, according to the specified parameters.

All of the above criteria will add benefits and comfort when operating the device.

Rating of air purifiers with photocatalytic filter

We present the rating of the best models of “sinks” of air with a photocatalytic filter, compiled taking into account their characteristics, reliability and popularity among buyers.

NeoClima NCC-968

The model combines a cleaner, an ultrasonic humidifier, an ozonizer and an air ionizer. This is a great choice for an apartment with a large area. The device is designed to service areas of up to 45 sq.m. The device has 3 types of filters installed at once: HEPA filter, photocatalytic and classic coal. Of the special functions, a hygrostat is provided. The unit is quite large and designed for outdoor installation. The control panel with LCD display has many settings that allow you to adjust all the options.

NeoClima NCC-968 is a real eco-station for your home. You can buy a model for 12000-13000 p.

Foxcleaner ion

Another innovative "cleaner" for the perfect microclimate in the home. The device implements immediately 4 filtration systems (photocatalytic filter, HEPA filter, electrostatic, coal). The size of the served area is 20 sq.m. In addition to the main task, the device performs the function of ionization and humidification. Electronic control is combined with the display. The device can be programmed by setting a timer in the range of 12 hours. Desktop model installation. The average price of a device is 6500 p.

Daikin MCK75JVM-K

Another best household photocatalytic cleaner in a stylish design. It also integrates a humidification and air ionization system. The device is designed for a large area, having a capacity of up to 450 cubic meters / h. It can be used in a two or three-story house, kindergartens and schools, clinics, and factories.

The model has 6 operating modes and a timer. Based on pollution sensors, the device can independently select a program. Among other things, it has child protection and the option to automatically turn off. Estimated cost of the model - 49,000 p.

Timberk TAP FL150 SF

Elegant design in a narrower compact case is the first thing that catches your eye when you see this model. The household air purifier is designed for an apartment and is capable of serving 25 square meters. m. The photocatalytic filter in it is combined with the HEPA filter. Electronic control, display, programmable timer - all for the convenience and comfort of the user. The device does not have additional options; it is designed exclusively for purifying the air from biological and synthetic substances. It can be installed on the floor or on the table. The narrow case allows you to place the unit in narrow niches, saving space. The price of the model varies between 6500-7500 p.

AIC XJ-3800A1

The "washing" of air with three stages of filtration (HEPA filter, photocatalytic, coal) serves 60 square meters. m square. The ionization system expands the capabilities of the device, providing a powerful antibacterial effect. The unit is designed for outdoor installation, the system is controlled through the remote control or through the electronic panel. The case implements an unusual idea of ​​designers, the device will ideally fit into a modern interior. The average price of a model is 15,000 p.

We hope our review has revealed all the "secrets" of photocatalytic cleaners for you and helped you find your way around. When making a purchase, make sure that the product comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

Title	NeoClima NCC-968	Foxcleaner ion	Daikin MCK75JVM-K	Timberk TAP FL150 SF	AIC XJ-3800A1
Appointment of the device	air purification / humidification	air cleaning	air purification / humidification	air cleaning	air cleaning
Control	electronic display	electronic, display, timer	timer	electronic, display, timer	electronic, timer, remote control
Dimensions (WxHxD)	452x438x233 mm	175x220x150 mm	395x590x268 mm	176x647x224 mm	343x610x255 mm
Air Purification Performance (CADR)	250 m3 / h	n.d	450 m3 / h	238 m3 / h	360 m3 / h
Filters	HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon	HEPA filter, photocatalytic, electrostatic, carbon	photocatalytic, electrostatic	HEPA filter, photocatalytic	HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon
Price	from 12900 rub.	from 6490 rub.	from 47 900 rub.	from 5990 rub.	from 17190 rub.