Hispacold air purifier for buses eco3 successfully tested in Spain
Hispacold announces its air purifier for buses, named ‘eco3’ has proven more than 99.7% effective against SARS-CoV-2. Tests have been carried out by the Biological Defence Area at the CBN Defence Systems Department of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), a subdivision of the Spanish Defence Ministry. Hispacold is a supplier of HVAC systems and […]
Hispacold announces its air purifier for buses, named ‘eco3’ has proven more than 99.7% effective against SARS-CoV-2. Tests have been carried out by the Biological Defence Area at the CBN Defence Systems Department of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), a subdivision of the Spanish Defence Ministry.
Hispacold is a supplier of HVAC systems and components and belongs to Irizar group. It has launched an air purifier solution for buses that joins many technologies brought to market concerning bus disinfection.
Hispacold bus air purifier tested by INTA
Hispacold explains that this October, the eco3 air purifier was rigorously tested under strict safety conditions and according to stringent testing criteria, at La Marañosa Campus, INTA’s technology centre, where the headquarters of the Subdirectorate General, Land Systems, is based.
The trials aimed to evaluate the extent of the reduction of viral load in an aerosol of the bacterial virus MS2 when it is treated using Cold Plasma – a treatment involving ionisation. The trials were carried out inside a 15-meter long coach equipped with eco-3 air purifiers.
Bus air purifier eco3 by Hispacold
Hispacold explains in a press note focused on the eco3 air purifier for buses: «The MS2 virus was chosen for tests as it is 10 times more resistant than SARS-CoV-2 and can only be inactivated with a 64mJ/cm2 dose compared to the 6,7 mJ/cm2 dose needed to inactivate the Covid-19 virus. This means the effect of the eco3 air purifier on SARS-CoV-2 would be far more powerful than its effect on the MS2 virus. The independent trials concluded that the air treatment systems – the eco3 air purifiers – installed in the bus’ HVAC systems – were effective in reducing the MS2 viral load by 99.7% under the test conditions».
Ozone is produced by Hispacold eco3 air purifier for buses
The eco3 air purifier functions emitting ions into the air when HVAC systems are in operation, and therefore creating an environment free of viruses. In addition, during the ion-generation process, ozone is produced in very low concentration (<0.05 ppm), which is harmless to passengers. This eliminates unpleasant odours and increases the oxygen concentration in the passenger compartment, reducing feelings of tiredness among passengers and drivers.
Hispacold HVAC systems are designed to work with a mix of interior and replacement exterior air, which before being heat treated and introduced into the passenger cabin, passes through a filtering section, where most potentially harmful particles are removed, improving interior air quality.
Bioaerosols – airborne particles of biological origin or that are biologically active – can affect living beings through infections, allergies, pollution and irritation are a main cause of the transmission of infection. Therefore, indoor air quality, which is achieved through ventilation and filtration, is crucial in preventing the transmission of pathogens among passengers.
Air purifier for buses and ventilation
The suppliers highlights that minimum fresh air ventilation requirements are about 2.5 to 4 l/s per person, so at least 10 to 16 complete air supply renewals inside the vehicle must be guaranteed every hour. Therefore, complete air renewal must take place inside the vehicle every 4 to 6 minutes. Hispacold’s HVAC systems guarantee an outside air flow of between 800 and 1000 m3/h at all times with interior air being renewed every 3 or 4 minutes, exceeding regulation requirements of the regulations, as long as 0% to 100% of external air is being renewed by the HVAC system.
