How plasma tubes work
Generation: Creating the Plasma
The plasma tube uses a high-voltage electrical field (often tens of thousands of volts, but at a very low current, thus “cold plasma”) to excite and ionize the air that passes through it. This converts normal air molecules, primarily oxygen and water vapor, into a stream of:
- Ions: Positively charged ions (missing an electron) and negatively charged ions (with an extra electron). This is often called bipolar ionization.
- Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS): Highly unstable and powerful oxidizing agents like hydroxyl radicals (OH⋅), superoxide ions (O2−), and small amounts of ozone (O3).
Action: Cleaning the Air
Once released into the air, these generated ions and reactive species perform two primary cleaning functions:
- Particle Agglomeration (Purification)
- Pathogen & Chemical Neutralization (Sterilization)
This technology is considered “non-thermal” and operates at or near room temperature, which makes it safe for air purification in occupied spaces.
