Air Date: 9-25-2015| Episode: 384
This week on IAQ Radio we will discuss a topic every IAQ and Disaster Restoration pro has had to deal with at some point…
Full Description:
This week on IAQ Radio we will discuss a topic every IAQ and Disaster Restoration pro has had to deal with at some point. Odors are funny things and they can be very hard to deal with, this weeks guest is no stranger to odors and neither is the Z-man. My conversation with the two of them will be a learning experience for all. Kyle Knappenberger is the Director of Applications at Timilon Technology Acquisitions LLC, Fort Myers, FL. Kyle holds a Bachelors of Sciences degree in microbiology from Kansas State University. He earned his degree while researching and testing water purification techniques. For over a decade Kyle has been working on using safe metal oxide technology for odor control and toxic chemical neutralization applications. Kyle joined Timilon in 2013 when they acquired the technology behind FAST-ACT® and OdorKlenz® from the company where he previously held a variety of leadership positions. He has been involved in several key product development programs related to indoor air quality, including those for disaster restoration and individuals dealing with multi chemical sensitivity. Kyle co-holds six patents related to the mitigation of chemical and biological contamination. LEARN MORE this week on IAQ Radio!
Z-Man’s Blog:
Odors and Odor Elimination Technology
On today’s episode of IAQradio, we interviewed Kyle Knappenberger, director of applications for Timilon Technology Acquisitions, LLC. Kyle studied microbiology (earning a BS degree) at Kansas State University. For over a decade he has been working with metal oxide technology for toxic chemical neutralization and odor control.
Nuggets mined from today’s episode:
- Fast-Act® and OdorKlenz® technology originated as university research into high temperature destruction of chemical and biological warfare agents. The technology portfolio was acquired by Timilon in 2013. Expanded into pollution and odor removal.
- While a student at Kansas State studying microbiology he became interested in the technology when exposed to it by a professor (Kenneth Kablunde, PhD). He joined the spinout company as a microbiologist working on a government research product of a powder to neutralize chemical warfare and biological warfare agents.
- Nanotechnology is any technology with special properties at a size of 100 nanometers or smaller in multiple dimensions. As material size decreases chemical properties of the substance increase. Citing the example of a wooden log versus the same size and weight log converted to sawdust. The log burns slowly while under certain conditions the sawdust will react violently and explode.
- Conventional metal oxides are mined out of the ground, have low surface area and are nonporous. Timilon’s technology is different, using a patented process to build and modify metal oxides. Metal oxides are the building blocks of the firm’s nano-crystalline. Manufacturing process exposes broad surface area the result of which decontaminates chemicals, pollutants and odors.
- According to Kyle, Timilon’s technology is similar to a nanotechnology without the harmful effects of smaller size. Advantageous use of small particle size to contains and neutralize faster.
- Interestingly, the technology is deeply rooted in HAZMAT emergency response and defense both domestically and internationally.
- The Fast-Act® line of chemical decontamination and containment is the core technology. It was developed by a team of scientists studying high temperature destruction of chemicals including chemical warfare agents who found that metal oxides can perform the same function at ambient temperature. The National Science Foundation and other groups contributed to the product’s development.
- Fat-Act® has non-discriminate efficacy, a benefit for the responder who need not know the exact contaminate.
- The technology transition into restoration following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when clients were more concerned about odors. The technology at that time was akin to dry powder extinguishers. Kyle said, “the product puts out chemical threats the way a fire extinguisher puts out fires.” The product changed form and was built into filters for HVAC systems and AFDs which the firm refers to as cartridges. Cartridges are available for common size AFDs 500-2000 and can last 1 week or more in service.
- The technology is titled “destructive adsorption” and has wide spectrum efficacy and versatility and works through different chemical pathways: adsorption, absorption, interaction & neutralization. The product works on organic acids, inorganic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, caustics, etc. Acid gases, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogenated gases, chemicals with reactive functional groups. The product is less effective on simpler gases such as methane.
- The pH of the dry product is slightly basic (8-10 pH).
- Activated carbon only adsorbs and desorbs. “Destructive adsorption “technology adsorbs, neutralizes and destroys while not adding anything additional to the indoor environment.
- Smell is an inaccurate indication of danger and/or toxicity.
- Consumer feedback that the products are useful for people with MCS.
To learn more about the technology and the products visit: enviroklenz.com, hyfiltration.com, odorklenz.com
In prepping for today’s interview I did a patent search and reviewed patents which bore Kyle’s name. There were some interesting videos on YouTube showing the Fast-Act® product neutralize an insecticide and the dry powder being deployed with pressurized cylinders.
Today’s Music: A Smelly Song By: pottytraining.com.au YouTube
Z-Man signing off
Trivia Question:
What is the term that denotes the standardized unit of smell?
Answer:
Scentibyte
