Static Frenzy: Harnessing Physics to Zap Germs

Static Frenzy: Harnessing Physics to Zap Germs

Ever wondered why we struggle to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms in our technologically advanced society? Let me shed some light on this issue.

Over time, these microorganisms have evolved to survive and adapt in various environments. They have become incredibly small and can easily be transported through the air, water, or even living organisms, enabling them to spread and find new hiding spots.

One reason these microorganisms tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas is because these spaces offer protection from environmental factors like sunlight, extreme temperatures, and dryness. Nooks and crannies act as barriers, shielding them from harsh conditions and allowing them to remain viable for extended periods.

Moreover, these hidden spaces often provide the necessary nutrients and moisture for microorganisms to survive and reproduce. They can find organic matter, such as dead skin cells, food particles, or decaying material, in these confined areas, which sustains their growth and survival. By hiding in these nooks and crannies, microorganisms can evade detection and removal.  

However, the importance of disinfecting these hard-to-reach areas cannot be underestimated. Failing to clean and disinfect these hidden spaces properly can lead to the continued spread of pathogens and increase the risk of infections. 

Fortunately, innovative technologies, like electrostatics, have emerged to tackle this challenge. Electrostatic technology, a principle widely harnessed across various industries, is far from being a newcomer in the realm of innovation. This technology underpins the functionality of inkjet printers, ensuring precise and efficient ink distribution on paper. It's also a cornerstone in the manufacturing of computer chips and components, where it plays a critical role in handling materials with pinpoint accuracy.

Beyond these applications, electrostatic principles are integral to the touchscreens of smartphones and tablets, enabling the seamless interaction we've come to rely on daily. Such widespread adoption across these essential products not only underscores the versatility of electrostatic technology but also attests to its proven reliability and effectiveness. This foundation of trust and functionality is what makes its application in disinfection processes a logical and promising advancement, leveraging a well-established technology to safeguard our health and environments.

Byoplanet, the cleaning and disinfecting industry leader in electrostatic technology for the applying of disinfectants and other chemistries via electrostatic sprayers, has developed an induction-charged, electrostatic technology that uses charged 40-micron droplets to effectively disinfect even the most inaccessible areas. Just to give you a sense of how small that is, at 40 microns, a droplet is less than half the width of an average human hair, which is typically about 100 microns thick. To visualize this, if you were to place a droplet next to a strand of hair, around two and a half of these tiny droplets could line up across its width, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. 

The use of electrostatics in disinfection is based on the principles of physics. When the disinfectant solution is charged, the droplets become positively or negatively charged. With ByoPlanet’s induction-charged technology, the droplets are negatively charged, a huge differentiator compared to other electrostatic sprayers that use a contact charge, or positively charged droplet. The main difference is that the negatively charged droplets have more charge and remain charged longer.

These charged droplets are then sprayed onto surfaces, and the force of attraction using the principle of polarity causes them to be drawn to all surfaces, including hidden nooks and crannies, ensuring thorough coverage. The principle of polarity is a concept in chemistry and physics that refers to the distribution of electrical charge over atoms, molecules, or chemical groups. This is significant in electrostatic applications because it influences how charged particles interact with each other and with surfaces, such as the attraction of oppositely charged particles or the repulsion of similarly charged ones.

The principle of polarity, therefore, plays a crucial role in technologies that rely on electrostatic forces, allowing for precise control of particles as seen in electrostatic spraying technology, where charged droplets are attracted to surfaces with an opposite charge, ensuring thorough coverage. This ensures that every surface, regardless of its shape or size, is thoroughly coated with the disinfectant.

The 40-micron droplets used in this technology are small enough to penetrate into those micro-small nooks and crannies. Traditional cleaning methods may struggle to reach these confined spaces with large droplets, but the tiny charged droplets can easily access and disinfect them. This is crucial in preventing the survival and growth of microorganisms hiding in these hidden areas.

Additionally, because the droplets are charged, they cling to particles that are floating in the air. Often, viruses that are on surfaces but not necessarily in the nook or cranny space, can be catapulted from air currents as people walk by, doors are opened, and other air-moving causes, and become air born for a period of time, making it easier for people and animals to breath into their bodies. The ByoPlanet electrostatic technology causes the droplets of the disinfectant to attach to those viruses in the air, kill them, and pull them to the floor, effectively scrubbing the air clean. 

Interestingly, this applies to odor molecules as well. Which is why when a disinfectant is used with the ByoPlanet electrostatic technology, the odors of any area are greatly reduced without the need for masking them with a scented spray.

On the practical side, Byoplanet's electrostatic technology offers a more efficient and time-saving approach to disinfection. The charged droplets are attracted to surfaces, minimizing overspray, and ensuring that the disinfectant is precisely targeted where it is needed. This not only reduces the amount of disinfectant required but also saves time and effort in the cleaning and disinfection processes.

In conclusion, the ability of microorganisms to hide in hard-to-reach areas poses a challenge for effective disinfection. Byoplanet's electrostatic technology, with its charged 40-micron droplets in combination with the force of attraction physics through polarity, provides an effective solution to thoroughly disinfect these tough-to-reach areas. By ensuring comprehensive coverage and targeting even the smallest crevices, this technology plays a vital role in preventing the spread of pathogens and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

About the Author: Rick O'Shea is the CEO of Good Salt, the parent company of ByoPlanet, a company at the forefront of the intersection between health and technology. With a profound passion for improving the health and wellbeing of people, animals and plants, Rick leads the development of commercial and consumer products that revolutionize health and wellbeing. His visionary leadership has positioned ByoPlanet as an industry trailblazer, introducing innovative solutions that prioritize clean air, quality sleep, and the well-being of people, plants, and animals. By fostering a culture of innovation and advocating for greater awareness, Rick drives positive change and inspires individuals to make informed choices about their living and working spaces, shaping a healthier and safer future.

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