Phocatox Technologies makers of BIOSWEEP® Technology
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FAQ

Q: How does the BIOSWEEP® work?

A: The BIOSWEEP® draws ambient air through the base of the unit where it is treated inside the chamber and exported along with gas-phase oxidants out the top of the unit. [top]

Q: Does the BIOSWEEP® use any chemicals?

A: The BIOSWEEP® does not use any feed chemicals. The BIOSWEEP® does however generate a dry vapor containing hydrogen peroxide and purified trivalent oxygen (ozone) from ambient and moisture supplemented air. [top]

Q: Will the BIOSWEEP® bleach upholstery or harm fabrics?

A: The BIOSWEEP® is compatible with most materials. It will not bleach or harm carpet, upholstery or fabrics when properly operated. Please refer to the Cole-Parmer Chemical Compatability Chart and related training materials for specific materials. [top]

Q: How large an area will the BIOSWEEP® treat?

A: One BIOSWEEP® will generally treat approximately 400-1,000 sq ft. (5,000-8,000 cu. ft.). The number of units required is dependent upon several factors including indoor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, odor or contaminant source and severity, floor plan and cubic space. [top]

Q: Can the BIOSWEEP® be operated with people or pets in the room?

A: The BIOSWEEP® can only be safely operated in vacant or unoccupied spaces. The BIOSWEEP® cannot be operated when humans or pets are present. Operators must wear NIOSH approved full face piece respirators with NIOSH approved P100/Organic Vapor/Acid Gas cartridges during BIOSWEEP® operation. [top]

Q: What are the primary uses for the BIOSWEEP®?

A: The BIOSWEEP® is primarily used for odor removal and/or airborne contaminant destruction. Virtually any odor or airborne contaminant can be completely successfully eradicated with the BIOSWEEP® . [top]

Q: How long does it take for the BIOSWEEP® to treat an area?

A: The BIOSWEEP® can treat most indoor environments within 4-12 hrs. dependent upon several factors including indoor environment conditions, odor or contaminant, floor plan and cubic air space. Most vehicles can be easily treated in 1 hour. The BIOSWEEP® can reduce deodorization time as much as ninety-percent (90%) over inferior technologies. [top]

Q: Is the BIOSWEEP® an ozone generator?

A: The BIOSWEEP® produces both purified trivalent oxygen, called ozone, and hydrogen peroxide within the treatment chamber. These oxyradicals are exported to attack contaminants on exposed surfaces. Additionally, several other channels and species of oxidants contribute to the unit’s superior effectiveness over simple ozone technology.  But,  BIOSWEEP® does not use coronal discharge ozone generation, which is unreliable and produces harmful and corrosive nitrogen oxides. The BIOSWEEP® is 10x more powerful than virtually any existing commercial ozone generator. [top]

Q: How much time is saved with the BIOSWEEP®?

A: The BIOSWEEP® can reduce deodorization time as much as ninety percent (90%) as compared to simple ozone generators. [top]

Q: Is the BIOSWEEP® an air scrubber?

A: The BIOSWEEP® operates at 240 CFM. It has an easily accessible HEPA filter (0.3 micron size), which traps airborne contaminants that size or larger. [top]

Q: Do we need more than one BIOSWEEP®?

A: One BIOSWEEP® will generally treat approximately 400-1,000 sq ft. (5,000-8,000 cu. ft.). The quantity of BIOSWEEP's is dependent upon several factors including indoor environmental conditions, odor or contaminant, floor plan and cubic air space. [top]

Q: Does the BIOSWEEP® come with a warranty?

A: The BIOSWEEP® comes with a three year/7,000 hour factory warranty. Repair work is normally performed by factory-trained technicians and at our manufacturing facility in Houston, TX. HEPA filter replacement is easily performed by user. [top]

Q: Where do we get replacement parts?

A: Authorized replacement parts are shipped directly from our manufacturing facility located in Houston, TX. There is no shipping or replacement charge for warranty repair. Replacement filtration media are available locally. [top]

Q: What happens if the BIOSWEEP® breaks down?

A: Field repair manuals, parts, and assistance  are available for BIOSWEEP® warranted and non-warranty service. In some instances it may be necessary to ship the unit to our manufacturing facility located in Houston, TX for extensive repair. [top]

Q: Why can't we safely breathe the BIOSWEEP® vapor?

A: The BIOSWEEP® produces both purified trivalent oxygen, called ozone, and hydrogen peroxide. The properties that make ozone and hydrogen peroxide powerful cleaners and disinfectants also make them dangerous to living tissues. The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of these oxyradicals to react with organic material outside the body give them the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause temporary harmful health consequences. When these oxyradicals come in contact with living tissues, like our lungs, they attack and damage cells lining the airways, causing swelling and inflammation, and resulting in difficult breathing. [top]

Q: Do you provide user training?

A: Phocatox provides extensive field training and customer support. Each Service Provider receives a written copy of the BIOSWEEP® OPERATIONS MANUAL. Electronic copies may be downloaded in Service Provider Tools. This comprehensive manual provides step-by-step, detailed instructions for successful field operations. [top]

Q: How is the BIOSWEEP® shipped or transported?

A: The BIOSWEEP® comes with a custom, padded carrying case to protect the unit in transportation. The BIOSWEEP® is factory shipped in a foam-lined, reinforced corrugated box via best ground or LTL carrier. [top]

Q: Can I purchase a BIOSWEEP® for home or individual use?

A: The BIOSWEEP® is sold only to Service Providers and qualified IAQ professionals. [top]

Q: Does the BIOSWEEP® leave an odor?

A: The BIOSWEEP® produces a residual "swimming pool" or "bleach" odor that gradually subsides within 4-24 hours. [top]

Q: How soon after BIOSWEEP® treatment can I re-enter?

A: Most treatment areas can be safely re-entered within 45 minutes to one hour. (see also How do we know when it's safe to re-enter below) [top]

Q: How do we know if it's safe to re-enter?

A: Phocatox recommends vapor monitoring for commercial use. Most treatment areas can be safely re-entered within 45 minutes to an hour. Phocatox recommends vapor monitoring for commercial use. [top]

Q: Can the BIOSWEEP® treat odors in automobiles?

A: The BIOSWEEP® can be easily deployed inside any vehicle. [top]

Q: Can the BIOSWEEP® kill mold?

A: The BIOSWEEP® will eradicate airborne mold spores. Circulated dead or inactive mold spores are captured in the BIOSWEEP® 's HEPA filter. [top]

Q: Can the BIOSWEEP® get rid of animal odors?

A: The BIOSWEEP® will eradicate virtually all animal odors including cat urine and skunk odor. Pretreatment of the affected areas may be required. [top]

Q: What is the primary difference between the BIOSWEEP® and VIRUSWEEP?

A: The VIRUSWEEP™ does not produce trivalent oxygen (ozone) or hydrogen peroxide vapor. It can be safely operated within inhabited spaces. [top]

Q: What if I just want to purchase the equipment outright?

A: Direct sales in non-exclusive territories are considered on a case-by-case basis. [top]

Q: Once an area is protected by a Service Provider, can anyone purchase units in that area?

A: No. [top]