BASF’s UpCore^TM ozone-VOC converter upgrades included in Airbus vendor service bulletin

Airbus recently issued a vendor service bulletin (#20499-21-001) recommending that airlines upgrade their ozone converters to BASF‘s UpCore^TM ozone-VOC converters for the Airbus A320 series.

BASF UpCore is a seamless upgrade from a standard ozone-only to ozone-VOC (volatile organic compounds) converter for cleaner and healthier airplane cabin air at a lower cost compared to a factory-new replacement. Replacing the catalyst core of an ozone-only converter with an ozone-VOC catalyst is a more sustainable solution since the original converter’s housing is reused and in addition odors entering the cabin are mitigated, improving aircraft operational reliability and increasing passenger and flight crew comfort.

“The Airbus-approved UpCore service is a cost-effective and sustainable technology, which does not need Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) or Designated Engineering Representatives (DER), as it is based on the same technology that has been proven for over 15 years,” said Olivia Cromwell, Global Business Manager, Aerospace, at BASF. “It is fully compliant with OEM standards and resets converter performance to that of a new one while retaining the OEM part number. It also meets leasing companies’ requirements for OEM equipment used on their aircrafts.”

The air at high altitude contains significant levels of ozone. Fifty percent of the cabin air enters the aircraft from outside through the engines (“bleed air”) and, if left untreated, ozone exposure can cause adverse health effects including headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing, and irritation of eyes, nose or throat.

Odor-causing VOCs such as jet fuel smell and odorous organic acids can enter the cabin from exhaust fumes, engine oil and hydraulic leaks, as well as de-icing fluid ingestion. These odors can result in crew and passenger discomfort or even fume events causing aircraft diversions and delays.

To learn more and implement the UpCore™ Program on your Airbus A320 Fleet, please contact BASF Authorized Distributors, Airbus Satair or AAR Corporation.

About BASF’s Catalysts Division

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.  
 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111.000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.