Being presented for first time at Pacific Marine Expo, 18 - 20 November 2010, Seattle.
Dometic Marine, the world's leading supplier of marine HVAC systems has won an industry-renowned IBEX Innovation Award for its new In-Duct Breathe Easy(TM) Air Purifier (patent-pending).
On accepting the prestigious IBEX Innovation Award, Frank Marciano, President, Dometic Marine said: 'I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Dometic Marine and our innovative team of engineers. Having been at the forefront of the marine air conditioning industry for over fifty years with the CruisairR, Marine AirR and Condaria brands, we continue to focus on improving what we do so we do not fall behind the competition. With adoption of this state-of-the-art indoor air quality technology, Breathe Easy Air Purifiers will soon be standard equipment aboard every air conditioned commercial vessel in the world! The testimonials that we receive every day for this product make me feel good that we are improving the quality of life for members of crew who spend so much time living aboard their vessels.'
He added, 'Special thanks must go to Bill Liptak whose tireless efforts have made this low maintenance product, with its patent-pending features, not just another me-too!'
The In-Duct Breathe Easy Air Purifier is specifically designed to work within the ducting of a vessel's air conditioning system. Operating silently, it purifies and cleanses air using Photocatalytic Nano-Mesh Technology with UV light. Each time the air circulates it is further purified.
The unit takes up little space and if retrofitted will require no alterations to the vessel's existing air conditioning unit. There is no need for any mounting hardware as a section of the A/C ducting is cut out and the circular In-Duct Breathe Easy tube is simply inserted, then the ducting is reattached to it. The Breathe Easy is available in sizes to match all standard duct diameters.
The In-Duct Breathe Easy unit is also highly relevant for installation during a vessel's refit and refurbishment as during such extensive work there are a myriad of solvents and glues used all of which give off dangerous, sometimes odor-free emissions. Coupled with the smell of new fabrics and carpets a recently refurbished vessel, although looking in pristine condition, could contain highly contaminated and polluted air.
Frank Marciano added, "I recently visited a 95ft yacht built in 2004 that developed a serious mold problem that was making the crew sick. To alleviate the problem, the captain had all of the air conditioning ducts replaced and installed our In-Duct Breathe Easy Air Purifiers. Within days the boat's crew could actually perceive that they were breathing cleaner air. It makes me proud to offer such an incredible solution to our customers."
Marciano continues, "I think boaters are used to dealing with some sort of odor onboard due to residual effects of the boat's high-humidity environment, especially if a boat is not used everyday and the air gets stagnant. With this revolutionary new product, people don't have to live with odors anymore. I used to have odors on my 30ft cabin cruiser, but since I put in the Breathe Easy Air Purifier they are completely gone!"
The health risk of inhaled mold could be heightened onboard a boat as dampness is common, cabin spaces are more difficult to ventilate with fresh air, and excessive exposure to contaminants is more likely due to long periods of time spent aboard.
Owners and operators of larger vessels seeking to offer the cleanest air within cabin spaces should visit Dometic Marine's booths at forthcoming commercial shows including SNAME, 3-5 November 2010, Seattle; Pacific Marine Expo, 18 - 20 November 2010, Seattle; and the International Workboat Show,1-3 December, New Orleans.
About the Technology
The Photocatalytic Nano-Mesh is constructed of metalized foam. This minutely intricate structure provides 2200% more surface area for holding the molecular catalytic coating than is possible with a simple screen structure. In addition, through the science of nanotechnology, the titanium-dioxide catalyst is restructured at the molecular level to have an increased number of contact surfaces. This provides 70% more atoms on the catalytic surface for improved reactivity with contaminants.
The metalized foam structure and the catalyst's nanotechnology create maximum photocatalytic activation for more thorough purification of air.This means fresher, cleaner and healthier air onboard. The system has been proven to reduce microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, and pollen by 90% to 100% and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 80% to 100%. VOCs emanate from materials such as carpeting, curtains, plywood and adhesives and are known to cause a variety of health problems.
To view the In-Duct Breathe Easy Air Purifier video, please visit: http://www.dometic.com/enie/International/Site/Marine/In-Duct-Breathe-Easy-Testimonial/