Applied Photonix Device in contrast to ASHRAE Standard 241- 2023

Applied Photonix Virozap Device Review Report

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Sahay’s Scientific Services LLC

Revision: 0 | Date published: January 27, 2025

Review Statement

Applied Photonix Device in Contrast to ASHRAE Standard 241-2023

Background

An individual typically inhales over 2,000 gallons of air daily through approximately 17,000 breaths, averaging 12 to 15 breaths per minute. For optimal health, the air we breathe must be free from contaminants and infectious agents. However, effective risk management strategies for airborne contaminants, including biological pollutants, have been largely overlooked.

In response, ASHRAE introduced Standard 241-2023, which outlines minimum requirements for controlling infectious aerosols. This standard aims to mitigate disease transmission risks in habitable spaces, covering new constructions, existing buildings, and major renovations. It provides guidelines for designing, installing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining outdoor air and air-cleaning systems.

Various air purification technologies have been developed, each with benefits and limitations. One such innovation is the Virozap air filtration device by Applied Photonix. This device employs Plasmonic Photonic technology, utilizing a pre-filter, a nanocoated filter, and UV-A LED lamps. It integrates with existing HVAC systems to destroy aerosolized microorganisms, purifying air by filtering and inactivating airborne particles like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores through catalytic oxidation.

ASHRAE Standard 241-2023

To reduce the spread of contaminants, the standard establishes minimum equivalent clean airflow rates in breathing zones.

Additionally, the standard requires testing and certification of air-cleaning systems. Section 7 specifies that a designated responsible party, appointed by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), must certify operational performance and safety equivalence.

The manufacturer must review test reports to verify effectiveness and safety and certify that air-cleaning systems meet ASHRAE Standard 241 requirements.

The Applied Photonix Device

Designed for commercial and residential applications, the Applied Photonix device was tested by ARE Labs, an independent third-party entity. The device was challenged with:

• Two types of aerosolized viruses (RNA & DNA)

• Two types of bacteria (Gram-Positive & Gram-Negative)

• Two types of mold spores

Results:

At a 500 CFM flow rate, the device reduced all six bioaerosol challenge organisms by a net log of 4.0 or greater (99.99%) within 20 minutes.

Plasmonic Photonic Technology also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs). In a controlled study, the device outperformed PECO-based methods in reducing Toluene levels, confirmed through 20 experimental trials in an environmental chamber.

Additionally, the device underwent regulatory scrutiny and received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), confirming its safety and efficacy.

Conclusion

Third-party evaluations in compliance with ASHRAE Standard 241-2023 confirm the Applied Photonix device’s effectiveness in reducing microorganisms and TVOCs.

The ViroZap Series 1008 models utilize nano-coated filters rated at MERV-11, MERV-13, MERV-15, and HEPA, depending on application requirements. These filters remove dust and particles based on their MERV ratings.

Dr. Rajiv Sahay, FIAS, CIAQP

President/CEO

References

1. American Lung Association (March 29, 2021) - How Your Lungs Get the Job Done

2. ASHRAE Standard 241-2023

3. ARE Laboratory Report

4. Clean Energy Research Center, University of South Florida

5. BMC Microbiology (2007) - Bactericidal Action of Positive & Negative Ions in Air

6. Air Pollution XII - Indoor Air Pollution Control through Ionization

7. Journal of Applied Microbiology - Effect of Surface Charge & Bipolar Ionization on Airborne Bacteria

8. Building and Environment (2021) - Evaluating In-Duct Bipolar Ionization Devices

9. EPA Indoor Environments Division (2018) - Portable Air Cleaners & HVAC Filters

10. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health (2019) - Ultraviolet Radiation for VOC & Bioaerosol Removal

11. Chemosphere (2023) - Reduction of VOCs by Indoor Air Cleaners

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