Frequently Asked Questions

What is “True NTP”?

While some competitors use Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) (or “cold plasma”) by simply injecting it into exhaust air streams, Ionox “True NTP” Odor Elimination is the only odor treatment system that actually directs the entire exhaust air stream through non-thermal plasma. Our patented treatment process allows us to treat all of the exhaust stream, rather than simply adding plasma to the mix.

Will Ionox "True NTP" systems eliminate all types of odor?

“True NTP” Ionox Odor Elimination Systems are designed to oxidize odor active Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contained in large volumes of process and building exhaust air streams. Treating exhaust air by passing it through our non-thermal plasma stream eliminates >90% of the odor (as measured by comparison of the before and after treatment samples). Ionox systems have been used to treat odors from animal feed and pet food processing facilities as well as odors associated with tobacco leaf drying and processing. The technology is also effective in treating odors associated with food production, composting exhaust air, sewage treatment exhaust air, deep fryers, and VOCs produced from many types of paint and other various industrial processes.

What is the maximum water vapor content in the treated waste stream?

Ionox Odor Elimination Systems can treat exhaust streams with up to 50% water vapor by volume. As typical dryer exhaust air contains 35% water vapor or less, Ionox systems perform very well on typical dryer exhaust applications.

Ionox systems eliminate odor by oxidizing the VOC compounds within the exhaust air stream. The desired end products of the oxidation reactions for pure hydrocarbon compounds are water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Oxidation reactions require oxygen as one of the reactant compounds. If the exhaust stream does not contain enough oxygen (i.e., the waste stream is 99% water vapor and 1% various odorant compounds), oxidation reactions cannot occur. The upper limit for water vapor concentration for most applications may actually be much higher than 50%. However, at this time, we are not prepared to state that Ionox technology will provide effective odor elimination at water vapor concentrations above 50%.

What is the maximum exhaust air temperature that can be treated by Ionox systems?

Standard temperature Ionox Odor Elimination Systems can continuously treat exhaust air streams with a temperature of less than or equal to 203° Fahrenheit (95° Celsius). For higher temperature exhaust streams, high temperature Ionox Odor Elimination Systems can be provided, rated to treat exhaust air with a temperature of up to 455° Fahrenheit (235° Celsius). Alternatively, the treated air can be combined with volumes of lower temperature exhaust streams (e.g. from coolers or odorous building ventilation exhaust air) to reduce the combined air temperature that is to be treated with the Ionox system.

Does the waste exhaust stream require particulate removal pre-treatment prior to being treated by an Ionox system?

If the maximum size particle is less than 1/8 inch in diameter and the total dust loading is less than 50 grains per cubic foot, then no dust removal pre‐treatment is necessary. In many applications, particulate removal via a properly functioning, standard pressure drop cyclone (with a design pressure drop of 4 to 5 inches of water column) is recommended. If the treated air stream contains significant volumes of fine powder or dust, then pre-treatment with a reverse pulse jet baghouse or wet venturi scrubber may be required

What system supply voltage is required for Ionox equipment?

Depending on the system size, Ionox Odor Elimination Systems operate at various voltages ranging from 120 volt, single phase, to 575 volt, three phase power. Small systems (less than 1,500 watts) can be powered at 120 to 240 volts single phase. For larger systems, the typical system supply voltage can be 380 volts, 480 volts, or 575 volts, three phase power. The supply voltage frequency can be either 50 or 60 Hertz

What is the typical power consumption for odor elimination applications?

For most odor elimination requirements, Ionox Odor Elimination Systems will have a power demand ranging from 0.8 watts per CFM to 1.5 watts per CFM of exhaust gas treated. The amount of power actually used may vary depending upon both the concentration and the chemical bond energies of the compounds requiring oxidation.

How can the effectiveness of the Ionox Odor Elimination System be verified for specific applications?

The effectiveness of Ionox Odor Elimination Technology can be verified by pilot testing. There is no charge for the technician's time or the use of one of our pilot systems, but the client is responsible for paying the shipping cost of the pilot system (to and from site), and the travel, hotel, meals, and car rental for the Ionox technician. The client is also responsible for paying for odor analysis of before and after treatment samples. In addition to determining the odor elimination effectiveness, pilot tests help to determine the amount of energy required to accomplish effective odor elimination. This information is then used to size a full scale Ionox Odor Elimination System for the application.