Ozone Disinfection or UV Disinfection? Pros and Cons

Thanks to its effectiveness—which surpasses that of chlorine—ozone is a product commonly used to decontaminate facilities and equipment. It has broad-spectrum activity against pathogens, making it suitable for use during the fight against COVID-19.

However, there are reliable alternatives to ozone disinfection, which has certain drawbacks despite its effectiveness. We can help you determine which method is best suited to the specific requirements of your business.

Mechanism of Action and Implementation of Ozone Decontamination

What sets this gas apart is its strong oxidizing power, which allows it to penetrate cells and destroy their components. Effective against viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, ozone ensures the disinfection of premises—including inaccessible or hidden surfaces—as well as the ambient air.

Ozone treatment has significant advantages:

• it works without chemicals, using a generator that simply draws on the oxygen present in the room
• it does not require rinsing
• it also eliminates unpleasant odors

On the other hand, this decontamination process has some significant limitations:

• it is incompatible with the presence of food—and therefore cannot be used in the food industry
• it must be carried out without any human presence and therefore requires a shutdown of operations for a variable period of time
• it requires the premises to be completely sealed off: all ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems must be shut down, and air vents and exits must be hermetically sealed…
• it provides only a temporary solution: once people return, contamination can occur again

UV Air Decontamination: An Effective, Permanent, and Cost-Effective Solution

A company specializing in UV disinfection of air, founded in 2005 by air treatment specialists, Photoclean sought to provide professionals with a technology that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional disinfection methods—particularly for very large spaces and facilities in the food industry and healthcare sectors.

Based on the observation that UV-C rays are effective in water treatment, we sought to adapt the method for use with air.

To overcome the technical challenges associated with the short wavelength of UV-C light and the need for prolonged and repeated contact with contaminants, Photoclean has developed a proprietary technology.

By combining the UV lamp with a medium that traps contaminants, this process destroys microorganisms and VOCs through photolysis. The method offers numerous advantages:

• destruction of microbiological and chemical agents
• Instant and continuous action
• safe for human use
• Completely safe for foodstuffs and equipment
• Effective on very large volumes of air
• Limited pressure drop, thus no excessive energy consumption
• Low maintenance (annual maintenance is sufficient)

Air Treatment and Air Decontamination for Professionals

From auditing your facilities to monitoring the performance of our equipment, Photoclean provides you with a turnkey solution for decontaminating your facilities. Our clients include companies in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and medical industry, as well as the service sector.