Hydroxyl Generators
Professional Non-Toxic Odor Removal — Safe for Occupied Spaces
Research & Studies on Hydroxyl Technology
Hydroxymax Photo Catalytic Oxidation Effects on Infectious Diseases and IAQ
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) is rapidly becoming a buzz word for the HVAC contractor.
- Most people associate indoor air quality with air filtration, which is designed to remove airborne particles.
- The problem is that standard air filters have little or no effect on microbials such as viruses and bacterial, or molds, VOC, odors and other health-related air contaminants.
- IAQ got its start with the media rash of mold stories of the 1980s.
Hydroxymax Hydroperoxide for IAQ
- Oxidation is technically defined as the losing or the giving up of an electron.
- It can involve very complex reactions between molecules & the oxidizers that are produced.
- For this article we will keep it simple & only look at some of the interactions between oxygen molecules & the different substances that they may contact.
- Controlled oxidation is an excellent way to destroy organics such as odors, viruses, bacteria, VOCs & mold.
- Unfortunately, uncontrolled oxidation can also destroy living tissue.
✓ Safe for Occupancy
Operate while people, pets, and plants remain in the space. No evacuation required.
⚡ 1 Million Times Faster
Hydroxyl radicals react over one million times faster than ozone molecules.
🛡️ Material Safe
Safe for rubber, plastic, leather, vinyl, electronics, paper, and artwork.
🌍 Nature’s Method
Replicates the natural atmospheric process that cleanses Earth’s air.
The Science Behind Hydroxyl Technology
Hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are created naturally in the atmosphere when the sun’s ultraviolet rays react with water vapor (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). They rapidly decompose chemicals in the air and are often referred to as “nature’s broom” because of their crucial role in helping to keep the Earth’s atmosphere clear of harmful organic and inorganic compounds.
Hydroxyls work primarily by abstracting hydrogen atoms, thereby dismantling the molecular structure of odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, they react so rapidly that indoor environments have few natural hydroxyls present because they are consumed near their point of entry.
Powerful Commercial Technology
Professional hydroxyl generators using the same broad range of UV radiation as the sun are now used to naturally clean and deodorize indoor environments without the toxicity concerns of traditional chemical or ozone treatments.
How Hydroxyl Generators Work
There is one primary method for generating hydroxyls, patented by HGI Industries, Inc. (Odorox®). This method replicates nature’s process by producing multiple wavelengths of high-energy UV lights that are able to generate hydroxyls by reacting with water vapor and oxygen in the air.
This process creates approximately 2 million hydroxyls per cubic centimeter that exit the machines. An exponentially higher quantity of hydroxyls is produced inside the chamber of these machines. Together, this enables the deodorization of compounds in the air as well as those absorbed by structures and contents.
This technology is able to produce a sufficient quantity of hydroxyls in any environment, including areas with relatively low humidity.
Hydroxyl vs. Ozone: Professional Comparison
| Feature | Hydroxyl Generators | Ozone Generators |
|---|---|---|
| Reaction Speed | 1,000,000× faster | Slower, stable molecule |
| Occupancy Safe | ✓ Yes – people can remain | ✗ No – requires evacuation |
| Material Compatibility | ✓ Safe for all materials | ✗ Can damage rubber, plastics |
| Compound Reactivity | 5,000+ different chemicals | More selective reactions |
| Oxidation Power | 2nd most powerful (after fluorine) | Strong but slower |
| Work During Treatment | ✓ Yes – full access | ✗ No – must vacate |
| Porous Material Penetration | ✓ Excellent – chain reactions | Limited penetration |
| Treatment Time | 3-4 days (continuous) | Faster but requires evacuation |
Hydroxyl Generator Advantages
Unlike ozone, atmospheric hydroxyls are safe for people, animals, plants and all sensitive materials like rubber, plastic, leather, vinyl, electronics, paper and artwork. This fundamental difference revolutionizes how restoration professionals approach odor removal projects.
Streamlined Operations
Jobs can be streamlined when the contractor is able to deodorize while drying, cleaning and demoing. Both contents and structure can be treated at the same time.
Reduced Packout
Certain packout activities can be avoided or substantially reduced, saving time and costs for both contractors and property owners.
Business Continuity
In many cases, residents can stay in their home or businesses can remain open, avoiding costly business interruption.
Complete Content Safety
Contents can be wet while being deodorized without the risk of bleaching. All contents can be treated with no risk of damage.
Valuable Item Protection
Restore all items including electronics, artwork and important papers or collectibles of significant retail or sentimental value.
Operational Flexibility
Machines can be moved around while contractors work, moved to more difficult areas, and even left behind for lingering odors.
Professional Applications
Hydroxyl machines have proven to be effective for almost any odor encountered in professional restoration work. They are commonly used for treating odors caused by fire and smoke, water losses, mold and VOCs.
Primary Applications:
Difficult Odor Specialist
Hydroxyls have proven to be very effective for odors that are difficult for ozone or other deodorization methods, particularly those caused by protein fires, fuel oil, biohazard situations, and sulfur compounds.
Coverage & Treatment Guidelines
Coverage Area
Hydroxyl applications are a gentle and safe form of deodorization. As a general rule of thumb, hydroxyl generators cover approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet with normal 10 to 15 foot ceilings when treating moderate to severe odors.
There are many factors that can affect coverage, such as:
- The severity of odor contamination
- Layout and complexity of the structure
- Whether or not contents remain on-site
- Project timeline requirements
- Ventilation and air movement conditions
Treatment Duration
Some deodorization can be completed within only a few hours, but most professional applications take three to four days of continuous treatment for optimal results.
Large industrial hydroxyl generators are also available for very large losses and have been successfully used on projects of several million cubic feet and more.
Advanced Techniques
The overall safety and simplicity of hydroxyl technology creates significant flexibility for contractors. Difficult items can be tented for containment and to achieve a greater concentration of hydroxyls if necessary. Machines can be strategically positioned and repositioned as work progresses.
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Minimal Ozone By-Product: Just as in nature, very low concentrations of ozone are necessarily produced as a by-product of the UV irradiation process. Because of this, reasonable safety precautions are required for the most powerful machines on the market when used in very small and unventilated spaces.
Always follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety guidelines. The hydroxyl technology is relatively simple to use on both small and large projects. Basic air movement principles are applicable, however proper training is recommended to maximize the use of this technology.
Professional Training & Support
While hydroxyl technology is relatively straightforward to implement, proper training ensures optimal results and maximizes the efficiency of your equipment investment. Understanding proper air movement principles, machine placement strategies, and project-specific adjustments will significantly improve treatment outcomes.
We recommend comprehensive training for restoration professionals to fully leverage the advantages of this advanced deodorization technology for both routine projects and complex large-scale applications.
Ready to Add Hydroxyl Technology to Your Business?
Professional hydroxyl generators offer safe, effective odor removal that keeps your projects moving forward without evacuation delays.
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