Smoke Remediation Techniques

Smoke remediation techniques are essential if you want to protect your family from dangerous smoke particles. These techniques include vapor modification, thermal oxidation, Ozone generators, and vinegar. If you’ve been living in a building that has recently suffered from smoke contamination, these techniques will help you eliminate these pollutants.

Vapor Modification

Vapor modification is a smoke remediation technique that utilizes a chemical to modify the smell of smoke. It involves the use of an aromatic compound that is vaporized from a sealed plastic container and dispersed into the air using a blower or fan. The mineral oils used in the process are non-toxic, non-oily, and non-flammable. The chemical penetrates the porous content of the smoke to neutralize its odor.

To determine if vapor modification is an effective smoke remediation technique, the State Water Resources Control Board has proposed amending its Resolution No. 92-49. The amendment would include requirements for assessment and investigation of vapor intrusion. Because chemical vapors are a major public health concern, it is imperative to determine the risks of vapor intrusion before a development project is started.

Thermal oxidation

Thermal oxidation is a method of cleaning the air of odors and volatile organic compounds. It involves heating the gas to a high temperature and then keeping it hot for a long period of time. The process is most effective at high temperatures of more than 800 degrees Celsius. It can be used to clean the air of both organic and inorganic compounds.

The cost of thermal oxidation varies significantly depending on the oxidizer technology that is used. The specific heat recovery efficiency depends on the amount of organics in the process stream and the operating parameters. Based on this information, a series of economic analyses was performed to determine the cost-benefit ratios for different thermal oxidation technology systems. The assumptions included in the cost analysis are: a 10,000-SCFM process stream; a 70oF inlet temperature; a 16,720 BTU/LB process mixture; LEL of 1.10%; and an electrical cost of $0.06 per KWH. The cost of thermal oxidation technology is about $4 per MMBTU, compared to $7.50 per MMBTU of sulfur dioxide (SOx).

Ozone generators

Ozone generators as smoke remediation techniques produce ozone in a space by adding energy to the oxygen molecules in the area. This energy is converted into split atoms that recombine with other oxygen molecules to create ozone. Ozone is a temporary gas and cannot be transported or stored. It is generated on site, and then decomposes into O2 overtime.

After the fire, ozone is used to remove smoke from affected areas. Ozone breaks down when it enters certain environments, and when it meets phenol gas, it destroys its odor characteristics. This process can be repeated numerous times over the course of a few hours to eliminate the odor.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a great smoke remediation technique because it can eliminate odors and neutralize the lingering smells of smoke. You can use it to scrub washable surfaces such as furniture, walls, and floors, or just wipe them down. If you’re dealing with the lingering smell of smoke, you can even add lavender drops to the vinegar to reduce the smell a bit.

Adding vinegar to the water and washing with a damp cloth is a great way to remove cigarette odors from wood and leather furniture. You can also use it to wash fabric furniture covers. In larger SUVs, you may want to use several bowls for better results. Using baking soda as an odor-absorber will also help.

Febreze

Febreze is an odor-removing chemical that works by neutralizing bad smells at the source. The company developed its technology with safety in mind. The product uses zesty molecules that balance pH levels and neutralize the odor. A donut-shaped molecule then traps the odors and eliminates them. The product has an odor-killing power and is safe to use in a wide variety of environments.

Another effective way to neutralize smoke odors is to sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs. This should be left on for at least 24 hours, and then vacuumed up with an upholstery attachment.