Cold SDBD Plasma: The Science Behind PLASMAir
A patented technology combining SDBD cold plasma, controlled ozone generation and IoT monitoring for continuous, safe and effective airborne decontamination.
Cold SDBD plasma
Patented Technology
Controlled ozone
RS485 Modbus network
PID Control System
THE PROCESS
How PLASMAIR works in 4 stages
The system integrates into the existing mechanical ventilation (VMC) without structural modifications. The air is treated in a continuous 24/7 cycle.
01
Air Recirculation
The system integrates into existing HVAC infrastructure without structural modifications, operating continuously within the air recirculation cycle.
02
Supplementary F9 Filtration
In addition to the filters already present in the HVAC/AHU, the high‑efficiency F9 filter retains 80–85% of particles ≤ 1 µm: spores, pollen, fine particulates.
03
Controlled Cold SDBD Plasma
Dielectric discharge actuators ionise the air, generating ROS/RNS that inactivate bacteria, viruses and fungal spores.
04
Real-Time IoT Monitoring
Digital sensors on an RS485 Modbus network control the cycles in real time via a PID controller. Continuous logging to the cloud.
THE CORE OF THE TECHNOLOGY
Dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD)
How plasma inactivates pathogens
Dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) applies a high-frequency electric field between two electrodes separated by a dielectric material. The air in the gap ionises, generating a non-thermal plasma at room temperature.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and humidity-derived reactive compounds oxidize bacterial cell membranes, disrupt viral surface proteins and degrade fungal spores, without without heat and without chemical residues.
ROS
Reactive oxygen species
O₃
Primary oxidant
H₂O₂
Secondary oxidant
RNS
Reactive nitrogen species
CONTROLLED OZONE
The heart of the system: safe by day, effective by night
Ozone levels by operating mode
120 µg/m³ — public health threshold (EU 2008/50/EC)
180 µg/m³ — information threshold (EU 2008/50/EC)
50 ppb daytime = Maintained below European reference thresholds
Why ozone is safe in the daytime cycle
During occupied operation, ozone concentration is setted and maintained between 0 and 50 ppb /m3, remaining below European long-term exposure objectives and information thresholds (60 ppb/m3).
At night, with no staff present, the intensive cycle raises ozone to 500–600 ppb for up to 240 minutes: enough to deeply decontaminate surfaces and air, with an effect enabling intensive overnight decontamination of air and surfaces without chemical residues.
At the end of the night cycle, the system automatically reduces the concentration before staff return.
Ozone concentrations are monitored with reference to the limits set by Directive 2008/50/EC.
EN 140 / EN 143 / CE 2834
SYSTEM COMPARISON
Mechanical Filtration and Active Airborne Decontamination
High‑efficiency filters are necessary but not sufficient. Cold plasma complements the structural limitations of passive mechanical filtration.
| Parameter | HEPA / F9 Filtration | PLASMAIR (F9 + Plasma) |
|---|---|---|
| Particles ≥ 0.3 µm | Effective | Effective + active |
| Particles < 0.3 µm | Partial | Active ROS/RNS inactivation |
| Airborne bacteria | Mechanical filtration | Up to 99.9% microbiological reduction* |
| Surfaces and walls | No action | Controlled overnight decontamination cycle |
| 24/7 active decontamination | No | Yes, continuous |
| Environmental parameters monitoring | Not included | O₃, O₂, CO₂, temperature, humidity, pressure |
| Energy saving | Full flow always | Up to 40% HVAC energy savings |
| Filter lifespan | Standard | Extended through plasma action |
| ISO 14644-1:2022 compliance | Partial | Supports ISO 14644 contamination-control strategies |
HOW IT WORKS
SDBD decontamination process in three stages
01
Air Handling & Recirculation
Air from the existing HVAC/AHU system passes through staged filtration before entering the PLASMAir treatment module.
02
F9 filtration
Supplementary high-efficiency F9 filtration reduces airborne particulate load, including spores, bacteria and fine particulates.
03
Controlled SDBD Plasma & IoT Monitoring
PID-controlled automation continuously regulates the operating cycle of SDBD plasma. ( per primo).
MEASURABLE RESULTS
The numbers behind our system
99,9%
Validated bacterial and viral decontamination efficacy
−50%
Reduction in airborne particles ≥ 0.5 µm
−40%
HVAC energy saving through optimised recirculation
24/7
Continuous monitoring of environmental parameters
+100%
Extended filter service life through plasma action
Zero
Structural modifications required for installation
CASE STUDY
Latest TRL9 validation
Ce.Me.Di. Turin
| Parameter | Before | After | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial load (CFU) | 69 | <10 | −85% |
| Particles 0.5 µm/m³ | 69.651 | <35.000 | −50% |
| ISO 7 compliance | Limit | Above | ✓ |
Regulatory compliance
All our systems are engineered in accordance with major European and international standards for critical environments and airborne contamination control.
EN ISO 14644-1:2022
EU 2008/50/EC (ozone)
GMP guidelines for controlled environments and cleanrooms
PoloPlasma patented technology