Photocatalytic oxidation reduction (PCOR) air purification system for indoor and transit environments

Overview

Kaeras, Inc. has developed a patented Photocatalytic Oxidation Reduction (PCOR) air purification system that addresses three major indoor air quality challenges in a single integrated platform: volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination, airborne pathogens, and unpleasant odours. The technology uses a proprietary nano-titanium dioxide catalyst combined with UV-C light to break down VOCs into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapour, while the same UV-C irradiation inactivates microbes carried in the airstream. The system also incorporates an engineered air curtain design that flushes and circulates treated air throughout enclosed spaces. Target applications include public transit vehicles, healthcare facilities, seniors' residences, and schools—environments where air quality directly impacts occupant health and comfort.

Technical specifications

• Proprietary nano-titanium dioxide PCOR media: A durable, non-depleting, permanent catalyst that destroys VOCs without the need for ongoing chemical consumables.
• UV-C irradiation: Drives the photocatalytic reaction and simultaneously delivers germicidal effects on airborne bacteria, moulds, and viruses.
• Integrated media filtration: Captures airborne particulates alongside chemical and biological treatment.
• Patented air curtain configuration: Flushes and neutralises air throughout the treated space for uniform coverage.
• Scalable form factor: Designed to be adaptable to whole-building or zone HVAC retrofits as well as vehicle-mounted installations.
• Performance highlights: Independent laboratory testing of photocatalytic units has demonstrated 87.74% to 99.21% kill rates for several bacteria, moulds, and viruses (phage) on a single pass at airflow rates of 20 to 50 litres per second.

Technology readiness level

The technology has been validated through a recent contract with Public Works Canada, which confirmed VOC reduction and particulate filtration performance on a working prototype. Kaeras has been refining the PCOR platform since 2005 and has improved VOC reduction efficacy by approximately 300% beyond the original patented baseline. On-site germicidal testing has shown promising results, and the company is currently pursuing further validation to confirm germicidal efficacy and to optimise the system through form factor redesign, media reformulation, and HVAC integration. The next validation phase is scoped at approximately six months. Identified areas for continued improvement include optimising irradiation dosage and dwell time, enhancing the PCOR media chemistry and manufacturing process, and engineering retrofit configurations for building and zone HVAC systems.