Indoor air quality is a fundamental aspect in ensuring people's well-being and health, especially in enclosed spaces where we spend most of our time. With increasing concern about the effects of pollution and the health risks associated with poorly ventilated environments, URSA has developed an innovative solution: InCare technology. This technology is designed to improve indoor air quality by reducing the proliferation of microorganisms, resulting in healthier and safer spaces. In this article, we will explore in detail what URSA's InCare technology is, how it works, its benefits and how it can contribute to the creation of healthier environments in various types of buildings.
What is URSA InCare Technology?
URSA's InCare technology is an innovative solution applied to building materials that uses the antimicrobial properties of copper. This technology aims to improve indoor air quality by effectively reducing the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. When integrated into insulation materials such as mineral wool, InCare helps to create healthier environments by inhibiting the proliferation of these pathogens.
This technology is applied in products such as URSA AIR panels and blankets, which are designed for air conditioning and ventilation systems, improving the quality of the air circulating through the ducts and significantly reducing the risks of illnesses and allergies.
How does InCare Technology work?
URSA's InCare technology is based on the action of copper ions, known for their antimicrobial properties. How this innovative process works is explained below:
- Application of InCare Technology: Copper ions are incorporated into insulation materials, such as the mineral wool used in the URSA AIR range.
- Inhibitory Activation: Microorganisms present in the air, such as bacteria and viruses, come into contact with the treated materials. The copper ions begin to activate their biocidal action.
- Microbial Inactivation: Copper ions quickly and effectively deactivate up to 99.99% of microorganisms, preventing their proliferation.
- Improved Air Quality: By eliminating pathogens from the air, InCare technology improves the circulation of cleaner, safer air through air conditioning and ventilation ducts, promoting healthier environments.
Benefits of InCare Technology for health and construction
The implementation of InCare technology in URSA products has a number of significant benefits for indoor air quality and occupant health. Some of the main benefits include:
1. Reducing health risks
InCare's ability to eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses reduces the risk of infectious and allergic diseases. By improving air quality in air conditioning and ventilation systems, this technology contributes to the creation of safer and healthier spaces for people, especially in areas with a high concentration of people, such as offices, schools, hospitals and homes.
2. Long-term durability and efficiency
One of the great advantages of InCare technology is its durability. The antimicrobial properties of copper remain active throughout the lifetime of the materials, ensuring that protection against microorganisms is maintained over time. This ensures a continuous improvement in indoor air quality without the need for additional treatment or constant maintenance.
3. Sustainability and respect for the environment
InCare technology is based on copper, a natural material that is essential for human health and is also environmentally friendly. Unlike other chemical treatments, copper poses no health or environmental risks, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
4. Improving air conditioning and ventilation efficiency
In addition to improving air quality, URSA AIR products with InCare technology provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, which contributes to greater efficiency in air conditioning systems. By reducing the growth of microorganisms in ductwork, ventilation systems operate more efficiently, improving air circulation and reducing energy costs.
Applications of InCare Technology in air-conditioning and ventilation
The products in the URSA AIR range are ideal for applications in air conditioning and ventilation systems in various types of buildings. Thanks to InCare technology, these products help to create healthier environments by reducing the presence of microorganisms in the air circulating through the ducts. Some of the most common applications of InCare technology include:
1. Offices and workspaces
In offices and workspaces, where people spend long hours, air quality is essential to ensure the health and well-being of employees. InCare technology helps reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improves the quality of the air breathed in these environments.
2. Hospitals and health centres
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are places where air quality is crucial to prevent infections and promote patient recovery. With InCare technology, ventilation and air conditioning systems can reduce the growth of bacteria and viruses, contributing to a safer environment.
3. Dwellings and households
In homes, InCare technology helps to create a healthy environment for family members, protecting against allergies and respiratory diseases. In addition, it improves the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, reducing energy consumption.
4. Schools and educational centres
In schools and other educational establishments, where children spend a lot of time indoors, air quality is critical. URSA AIR products with InCare technology help reduce the transmission of disease and improve the overall comfort of students and staff.
Innovative solutions with incare technology
URSA has developed a range of products for air conditioning and ventilation that incorporate InCare technology, such as mineral wool panels and blankets. These products not only provide thermal and acoustic insulation, but also offer extra protection against microorganisms that can affect indoor air quality.
URSA AIR panels and blankets are ideal for installation in air conditioning systems in different types of buildings, contributing to a significant improvement in air quality and energy efficiency. Thanks to quality certification and studies carried out by independent institutions, URSA AIR products with InCare are guaranteed to offer a microbial reduction capacity of up to more than 99.99% on the inner walls of ventilation ducts.
Air duct maintenance and InCare technology
Air duct cleaning is an essential part of the maintenance of air conditioning and ventilation systems, ensuring that the air circulating through the ducts is free of contaminants. This process should be carried out in accordance with established standards and with effective methods to remove any dirt or micro-organisms that may have accumulated.
- Initial inspection
Prior to cleaning, a visual inspection is essential to identify potential problem areas, such as accumulations of dust, mould or organic debris. This check may also include taking samples for biological contamination testing. - Cleaning methods
There are three main methods for cleaning air ducts:
- Contact vacuuming: This method uses an industrial hoover that is connected directly to the duct. The vacuum removes visible dirt and contaminants from the duct walls. It is a very effective technique for spot cleaning and removal of larger dust and debris.
- Pressurised air: This method involves the use of compressed air to force dirt and debris along the duct until it can be picked up or removed. It is especially useful for hard-to-reach areas and for removing light accumulations of dust.
- Pressurised air with brushing: This is a more advanced variant that combines pressurised air with mechanical brushing. The brush helps loosen dirt and contaminants stuck to the duct surfaces, while the compressed air moves them into the extraction system. This method is effective in removing more stubborn deposits such as grease or mould.
- Final review and disposal of waste
Once cleaning has been completed, it is important to carry out a second inspection to ensure that all contaminants have been effectively removed. The residues generated during the process must be properly disposed of, and the ventilation system must be checked to ensure that the ducts have not become clogged. - Ongoing maintenance
Regular duct maintenance is recommended, including periodic cleaning and checking the efficiency of filters and other components of the HVAC system. This will help ensure that the ducts remain clean and that indoor air quality remains adequate.
This cleaning process not only ensures healthier air, but also contributes to the efficiency of the air conditioning system by reducing the build-up of dust and debris that can affect its performance.
Frequently asked questions
How does InCare technology improve air quality?
InCare technology uses copper ions applied to insulation materials such as mineral wool. These ions deactivate microorganisms in the air, eliminating up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, which improves the quality of the air circulating in ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Which materials incorporate URSA's InCare technology?
InCare technology is applied in insulation products such as mineral wool boards and blankets from the URSA AIR range. These products are designed for air conditioning and ventilation systems, offering increased protection against microorganisms in enclosed spaces.
What are the differences between the URSA AIR and URSA AIR with InCare technology?
All URSA AIR panels comply with EN 13403, which ensures no microbial growth. Now, the new URSA AIR panels with InCare technology exhibit a bacterial reduction capacity of up to more than 99.99%* on the inner walls of the duct.
The faster the biocide speed, the better the quality of the air circulating inside the duct.
*Studies conducted by an approved research institute in accordance with ISO 20743:2013.
What studies support the effectiveness of InCare technology?
Studies conducted by an independent research institute, in accordance with ISO 20743:2013, have shown that URSA AIR panels with InCare technology show a microbial reduction capacity of up to more than 99.99% on the inner walls of the duct.
Where can I install URSA AIR products with InCare technology?
URSA AIR products with InCare technology are ideal for installation in air conditioning and ventilation systems in offices, homes, hospitals, schools and other enclosed spaces where air quality is critical to the health of the occupants.