Airborne pathogen removal system

The Baxx Cold Plasma technology from Symetec is designed to eliminate airborne pathogens in food processing and packaging rooms. Suitable for processing areas such as storage, thawing, chilling, processing and packaging, the device can be run 24 h/day and is fully Australian and International HACCP Certified.

While not designed as a replacement for hygienic practices, the Cold Plasma technology does complement these practices to provide a more effective reduction and elimination of dangerous pathogens. It is claimed to provide a less costly alternative to HEPPA or UV, and can complement either if already installed.

Constructed in stainless steel, each small 240 V unit is capable of disinfecting an area of up to 360 m³. The system requires no filters or chemicals, and there is no radiation or toxins. As a result, the unit can be placed directly on the wall or ceiling of the food production room (from 2.5 m high) and can operate continuously in all areas of a production facility, whether occupied or not.

How does it work?

The Baxx patented cold plasma technology eliminates bacteria, virus, moulds and fungus by disrupting the metabolism of their cell walls. Using no toxins, chemicals or radiation, the system works by reproducing the natural occurrence of airborne hydroxyl clusters as found in high altitudes and sunny conditions.

Salmonella.

A hydroxyl is a water molecule (H₂O) missing one of its hydrogen atoms, and because it’s in an unbalanced state, it seeks to replace its missing hydrogen atom. These hydroxyl (OH^-) molecules are attracted to single-celled organisms in the air and on surfaces, attach to them and forcibly rip a hydrogen atom from the cell wall. They are now H₂O again — harmless water molecules. In the meantime, the cell wall of the organism has been ruptured and, like a popped balloon, it dies. This is a very simple mechanical action. Bacteria and virus cannot become immune to it.

Further, the hydroxyl is indiscriminate on what bacteria and virus it chooses, attacking all equally.

These chemical groups have an added benefit of reacting with and neutralising harmful and odorous gases such as ammonia, methane, nitrogen monoxide and acetaldehyde and converting them into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water.

Has it been tested?

Along with Australian and International HACCP Certification, the technology has been tested by the independent and accredited UK laboratory SGS. In a room of 28 m² at 27°C, the system reduced bacteria levels by 81.1 to 99.9% within 90 min, and viral traces were reduced by 88.96%.Tests were carried out on rice placed in a high-humidity environment for one week and it was found that when it was held in a Baxx protected area, mould growth and spore production was completely eliminated. It was also found that the system was capable of reducing ammonia levels from 100% saturation down to zero in 30 min. Without Baxx intervention the levels were only 48% over the same time period.

Whole selections of microbes were effectively eliminated by the system including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas, Campylobacter, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The results of an independent egg plant test, which was also completed. Click here to view a larger image.

Where has it been used?

The technology has been used in a number of food applications, including small goods manufacturing; lettuce leaf washing and packing to kill Listeria; game meat facility boning rooms; yoghurt cooking and rapid cooling rooms; meat wholesalers; chicken meat processing plants; flour mill storage rooms to eliminate flour moulds; seafood processing plants; and cold storage rooms.

It also has other industry applications such as hospital, aged care, veterinarian, medical centres, animal breeding centres and even offices.

Top image caption: Staphylococcus aureus