How Does Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Technology Work For Cultivation?
Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is NASA’s technology to purify the air on space shuttles. PCO uses ultraviolet light to break organic molecules into simpler compounds, producing hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions. It’s well-known for indoor growing to purify the air without using chemicals.
The Benefits of Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Technology
One of the main benefits of using a PCO purifier is that it does not produce harmful chemicals. Removing contaminants from the air is safe, making it an attractive option for those concerned about environmental safety.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Biggest Drawbacks
Despite its advantages, PCO technology has some notable drawbacks. It does not provide surface treatment and relies on the air coming into the reaction chamber only. It may not reach surfaces when it comes to long distances.
Does Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Produce Ozone?
Most PCO Air Purifiers do not produce ozone, which can be seen as a drawback in certain applications. Ozone at low levels can help sanitize surfaces and help eliminate odor effectively, especially in commercial cannabis grow rooms.
Surface treatments are a must in grow rooms to prevent cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination is a significant concern in grow rooms, where powdery mildew or aspergillus on a single plant can quickly spread. Here’s where PCO purification systems fail because they do not reach surfaces over long distances.
Powdery Mildew Outbreak in a Cannabis Flower Room
Imagine a commercial cannabis grow room that faces a powdery mildew outbreak. This contagious fungus can devastate a crop if left untreated. In this case, the growers had a Photocatalytic Oxidation system in place. While the air quality improved, the PCO system failed to treat the surfaces, and the mildew spread.
In a parallel scenario, another grow room with similar conditions faced the same challenge but utilized the AirROS system. AirROS purifiers work in two phases: sanitizing the air and the surfaces in the room.
Phase 1 – Primary Air Cleaning
In this phase, air-containing microorganisms enter the purifier’s internal chamber. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) sanitize the air and destroy all bacteria, molds, viruses, and other pathogens.
Phase 2 – Secondary Surface & Air Cleaning
Provides surface sanitation and continued air sanitation, utilizing gas-phased H2O2 and low concentration levels of O3 ozone. These combine to create Hydrogen Trioxide (H2O3), effectively sanitizing surfaces and air 24/7.
The AirROS system successfully prevented the spread of powdery mildew in the grow room, saving the rest of the entire crop. In contrast, the room relying on PCO technology suffered significant losses.
Air & Surface Sanitation Solution For Grow Rooms
AirROS industrial systems are designed to destroy mold and viruses and provide odor control in the air and surfaces in cannabis facilities. It offers a more complete and effective solution to mold prevention in grow rooms than photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) cleaners.
The technology can sanitize surfaces at long distances with a single purifier, providing odor control, long-distance surface treatment, and purifying the air simultaneously.
PCO vs. AirROS for Cannabis Grow Rooms
While PCO technology has its place in air purification, it must have the comprehensive approach required for growing rooms. From preventing cross-contamination to handling powdery mildew outbreaks, AirROS offers a superior alternative.
Suppose you operate a commercial cultivation facility and are looking for an air purification system for your grow room. In that case, we highly recommend choosing an AirROS commercial air and surface purification system.
Don’t let your hard work be in vain. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you keep your plants healthy and thriving. Your success is our priority, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let AirROS redefine your grow room’s safety and quality. Contact one of our specialists today!
