BASF introduces UpCore™, a cost-effective upgrade to ozone-VOC converters for healthier aircraft cabin air
- Seamless upgrade from ozone-only to ozone-VOC technology at lower costs over factory-new replacement
- Airlines benefit from reduced risks of flight delays and a more comfortable flight experience for passengers and crew
- Vendor Service Bulletin forthcoming
BASF launches UpCore™, a new service providing a cost-effective and sustainable technology upgrade from a standard ozone converter to an ozone-VOC (volatile organic compounds) converter for cleaner and healthier cabin air. UpCore replaces the catalyst core of an ozone-only converter with an ozone-VOC catalyst, a sustainable solution as the original converter’s housing is reused. The dual function technology catalytically removes VOCs from the cabin air while maintaining BASF’s industry leading ozone-removal performance.
The air at high altitude contains significant levels of ozone. 50% 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.
“We are excited to offer this excellent technical service to our customers in the aviation industry. With UpCore, we offer our customers a cost-saving, sustainable and highly efficient upgrade to their current technology that increases the passengers’ and crew’s comfort and decreases the risks for airlines to suffer from flight delays,” says Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President, Process Catalysts at BASF.
Vendor service bulletin forthcoming
A vendor service bulletin for UpCore, fully approved by Airbus for the Airbus A320 series, will be issued shortly. The UpCore service 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. 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.
BASF will attend the MRO Americas event in Dallas (USA) from April 26-28, 2022, showcasing its more than 15 years of experience as leading supplier of ozone/VOC dual function converters for aircraft OEMs.
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.
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