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Cold Plasma FAQ

Plasmawise answers

Medical application

Yes, our studies have shown that short plasma treatment of thermolabile equipment of a few minutes is capable of reducing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores by about 99.9999%.

In theory, yes – however, in order to avoid damaging the treated surface, the plasma discharge need to be designed with specific design parameters.

Yes, research on cold plasma application on all type of bacteria has shown that there is no bacterial species with resistance towards cold plasma.

Due to its intrinsic properties, cold atmospheric plasma can be applied to fine tubes and tiny cavities when high flow velocities are used so that gaseous species can reach remote internal areas. Sterilization and disinfection of such areas are possible and have been experimented and validated in many applications such as dental and chirurgical instruments.

Yes indeed, cold atmospheric plasma inactivates all sorts of bacteria regardless of their degree of resistance towards antibiotics. 

Odor management

Plasmawise has first developed this technology with small units to be used for air treatment in homes and offices. Larger units, e.g. for treatment of exhaust air in large factories, are also available.

Yes. Covalent bonds which make up odors can be broken within the Electron-Impact-Dissociation process by the free electrons found in the plasma mixture. As a consequence, all sorts of odors can be eliminated such as smokes of cigarette, gastronomy odors and bathrooms environment. 

No. Plasma processes are immediate as the effects can be observed within a few fractions of a second. The free electrons, being very reactive, interact with the molecules responsible for odours  immediately after the plasma discharge is started. The process behind this interaction is named Electron-Impact-Dissociation.

The existing technology found on the market has been developed with ozone being the main reaction process behind odour elimination and mainly works on air exhausts. Plasmawise technology takes advantage of the Electron-Impact-Dissociation process in addition to ozone and operates with air recirculation with cold plasma being in direct contact with air.

Water treatment

Yes. 99.9999%  of viruses and bacteria are inactivated by active species produced by cold atmospheric plasma in air and dissolved in water within few minutes of plasma treatment. Our studies have shown that water treated by our cold plasma technology complies with international guidelines for drinking water quality. 

No. Cold plasma is not effective for the removal of dirt particles that may be found in water. Usually, cold plasma is combined with particle filter for this purpose. 

Hygiene

Hygienic problems caused either by microorganisms or by odors can be tackled by using a specific cold atmospheric plasma solution. Plasma discharges can be implemented either to treat items used for everyday hygiene practices such as toothbrushes, or integrated into household machines such dishwashers or vacuum cleaning machines. Plasma can be also implemented in an indirect fashion by treating water which can be used for hygiene application.

In order to obtain plasma activated water (PAW), normal tap water is treated with a plasma discharge using ambient air. Plasma species produced in the water/air surface are transferred to the water content by dissolution and they play the role of bactericidal agents. 

Usually, plasma activated water (PAW) treated with ambient air becomes rich in dissolved nitrogen species and remain active for up to 7 days. 

Air purification

The underlying technology for air purification is the Magnetically Oriented Plasma Source technology (MOPS), which is based on the principle of electron impact dissociation. Pollutants interacting with the electrons generated by the plasma source are dissociated and thus rendered harmless. The various products of this reaction remain in the air and can be bound by combination with a filter system.

Offices at work by also homes can take advantage of this solution to treat indoor air. Aerospace and car industry are more and more attracted to implement this technology.