(Photocatalytic Air Treatment)
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. is developing a titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic air treatment technology that destroys volatile organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic compounds in air streams. During treatment, contaminated air at ambient temperatures flows through a fixed TiO2 catalyst bed activated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Typically, organic contaminants are destroyed in fractions of a second.
Technology advantages include the following:
The technology has been tested on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene; trichloroethene; tetrachloroethane; isopropyl alcohol; acetone; chloroform; methanol; and methyl ethyl ketone. A field-scale system is shown in the photograph on the next page.
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment technology can effectively treat dry or moist air. The technology has been demonstrated to purify contaminant steam directly, thus eliminating the need to condense. Systems of 100 cubic feet per minute have been successfully tested on vapor extraction operations, air stripper emissions, steam from desorption processes, and VOC emissions from manufacturing facilities. Other potential applications include odor removal, stack gas treatment, soil venting, and manufacturing ultra-pure air for residential, automotive, instrument, and medical needs. Systems of up to about 1,000 cubic feet per minute can be cost- competitive with thermal destruction systems.
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment technology was accepted into SITE Emerging Technology Program (ETP) in October 1992; the evaluation was completed in 1993. Based on results from the ETP, this technology was invited to participate in the SITE Demonstration Program. For further information about the evaluation under the ETP, refer to the journal article (EPA/600/A-93/282), which is available from EPA. A suitable demonstration site is being sought.
Full-Scale Photocatalytic Air Treatment System
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669
Fax: 519-660-8525