FAQ
2.2. Marquis Intelligence Bipolar Air Ionization
Marquis Intelligence Bipolar Air Ionization solutions improve indoor air quality and help solve a wide range of air quality challenges.
However, successfuly application requires much more than high-quality equipment.
First, engineers must fully understand the technology, its capabilities, and its limitations.
In addition, proper system design and correct equipment positioning are essential for achieving the expected results.
Two main bipolar air ionization technologies are available.
One is based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The other uses needlepoint ionization (NP).
Marquis Intelligence applies both technologies. Therefore, the company selects the most suitable solution for each project.
Bipolar air ionization is an advanced, non-conventional air purification method. It mimics natural processes in the atmosphere.
In simple terms, the technology generates positive and negative ions from neutral molecules that already exist in the air. Therefore, it does not add chemical agents to the treated space.
In practice, the industry uses two main bipolar ionization technologies. One uses dielectric barrier discharge, or DBD. The other uses needlepoint discharge, or NP.
Marquis Intelligence applies both technologies. However, the final choice depends on the project requirements, air treatment goals, and the client’s techno-economic expectations.
As a result, bipolar ionization can help reduce different types of air pollutants. These include physical, chemical, and microbiological pollutants.
Physical pollutants mainly include airborne particles. In this group, fine particulate matter PM2.5 is especially important because these particles have a diameter of 2.5 μm or smaller.
In addition, the air may contain even smaller fractions, such as PM1. It may also contain ultrafine particles, which are commonly smaller than 0.1 μm.
However, the effect on particles depends on several factors. These include air conditions, system configuration, airflow, exposure time, and the way the system integrates ionization into ventilation or air purification.
Microbiological pollution includes viruses, bacteria, and spores. Under appropriate operating conditions, bipolar ionization may contribute to their reduction.
Chemical pollution most often includes VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. These organic substances evaporate easily. They may come from materials, chemicals, furniture, equipment, cleaning products, or cooking processes.
Moreover, VOCs often appear together with unpleasant odours. For that reason, odour control is one of the important practical applications of bipolar air ionization.
CONFIRMATION
You can read more about Marquis Intelligence Bipolar Air Ionization in the Marquis Intelligence blog:
Bipolar Air Ionization.
No. These technologies share some similarities. Also, Marquis Intelligence applies bipolar air ionization based on both approaches.
However, they do not differ only in device size or cost. More importantly, they use different physical principles to generate ions.
Each technology forms ions through a different mechanism. As a result, each system behaves differently in real operating conditions.
This difference also affects performance characteristics. In addition, it influences where each technology fits best and which applications it can support most effectively.
You can learn more about the similarities that connect these two bipolar air ionization technologies in the Marquis Intelligence blog:
Bipolar Air Ionisation: Similarities Between DBD and NP Technologies.
No, absolutely not. Dielectric barrier discharge and needlepoint discharge differ in several fundamental ways.
First, they use different physical processes to generate ions. Because of that, they also produce different ion densities.
In addition, the technologies differ in ion recombination rates. In other words, positive and negative ions do not neutralize each other at the same rate in both systems.
Moreover, each technology has a different effective ion range. Device size also differs, as does the way each system fits into HVAC and IAQ applications.
As a result, engineers do not choose between DBD and NP only by comparing cost. Instead, they consider the technical challenge, the installation conditions, and the expected air treatment result.
Therefore, all these factors directly affect system performance. They also help determine which technology best fits a specific application.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence Bipolar Air Ionization solutions include both dielectric barrier discharge and needlepoint discharge technologies.
Numerous projects confirm this dual-technology approach. One of the clearest examples is the Hilton Hotel in Belgrade, where Marquis Intelligence implemented both technologies to address different air quality challenges.
In that project, the choice of technology followed system capabilities, efficiency targets, and the technical constraints of the installation.
You can read more about the multiple installations at this facility in the Marquis Intelligence Mini Case Study series:
The effectiveness of both bipolar air ionization technologies depends on several factors. These include product quality, the expertise of designers and installers, and, equally importantly, the characteristics of the air being treated.
CONFIRMATION
If the same device is installed twice within the same system, first at the fan intake, upstream of the air handling unit, and then downstream of the unit, the concentration of ions in the treated air will be significantly higher in the second configuration.
Likewise, when bipolar ionization treats heavily polluted air with high relative humidity, the system requires a more powerful device than in cases where the air is cleaner and relative humidity remains within an optimal range.
Bipolar air ionization can be used in residential, commercial, medical, public, sports, educational, and industrial buildings.
However, Marquis Intelligence adapts each application to the specific air quality challenge. These challenges may include VOCs, viruses, or particulate matter (PM).
System effectiveness depends on several critical factors. First, equipment quality matters. Then, engineering design, installation method, and ongoing maintenance also play an important role.
However, the key distinction does not lie only in where the technology can be used. More importantly, it lies in when and how its application is technically justified.
For that reason, successful implementation requires solid engineering expertise and proven practical experience.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence is one of the few companies that implements bipolar air ionization based on both technologies across buildings with very different functions.
These include nurseries, apartments, houses, and private villas. They also include large commercial buildings, hotels, airports, and hospitals.
Moreover, several projects have earned a place among the company’s Top Five Projects in recent years. This confirms both the diversity and the technical complexity of these installations.
In addition, an extended selection is available through the official Marquis Intelligence reference list.
You can explore more here:
Unfortunately, bipolar air ionization cannot be used in all building areas.
First, it must not be applied in Ex-rated zones. These are areas where flammable or explosive mixtures may be present.
However, in such cases, engineers can still treat the air upstream. This means they treat the air before it enters the designated fire- and explosion-protected zone.
Marquis Intelligence also does not recommend bipolar air ionization in swimming pool areas where chlorine is used for water treatment. In these spaces, potential chemical interactions and safety considerations require special caution.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence has implemented air treatment solutions in several industrial facilities that operate under Ex protection regimes.
In all such cases, the system treats the air before it enters the protected fire zone.
However, these projects are strictly confidential. Therefore, Marquis Intelligence cannot disclose the names of the facilities.
Bipolar air ionization does not work like traditional air filtration. Therefore, the two methods are not directly comparable.
However, bipolar air ionization offers several advantages in HVAC and ventilation systems. First, it has a broad spectrum of action. In addition, it creates an extremely low pressure drop.
Most importantly, ions travel with the treated air into the occupied space. As a result, they can continue to help reduce pollutants generated indoors.
A filter in a central ventilation system mainly treats outdoor air before it enters the building. In contrast, bipolar air ionization acts on both the supplied air and the indoor air itself.
This difference matters because many pollutants originate inside the space. These may come from people, materials, furniture, equipment, cleaning products, cooking processes, or other indoor activities.
Moreover, indoor air can often be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of some indoor air pollutants are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence Bipolar Air Ionization solutions have been implemented in numerous installations using both bipolar ionization technologies.
In many of these projects, the main goal was to reduce pollutants generated within the occupied space.
Typical examples include hotel canteens, such as those at the Hilton Hotel and Delta House. Other examples include fitness centres, where unpleasant odours and airborne contaminants require continuous reduction.
For more information, see:
No. Bipolar air ionization does not replace conventional air filtration. Instead, it complements it. In principle, bipolar ionization can operate without filters. However, this configuration creates several practical problems.
First, ionizers become contaminated much faster during operation. As a result, maintenance costs increase.
In addition, the efficiency of ionization gradually declines as the devices become soiled.
For this reason, Marquis Intelligence always recommends mechanical filtration upstream of bipolar air ionization devices or systems.
Whenever possible, engineers should use filters of the highest technically and economically feasible class.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence has implemented numerous installations with multi-stage air purification systems that include bipolar air ionization.
This approach often appears in centralized residential ventilation systems. However, one especially clear example comes from an industrial air sterilization installation at the Knjaz Miloš factory in Aranđelovac.
In this production facility, multiple 500-ton water tanks required sterile air and stable overpressure.
Therefore, Marquis Intelligence designed, supplied, installed, and commissioned a central system that provides overpressure with sterile air. Today, Marquis Intelligence also maintains this system.
In addition to pre-filters, fine filters, and HEPA filters, the system includes a bipolar ionization section.
This section uses DBD, or dielectric barrier discharge, technology with specially silver-plated tubes.
Yes. The bipolar air ionization equipment used by Marquis Intelligence is manufactured from environmentally safe materials.
Also, these devices do not emit hazardous or harmful substances into the occupied space.
Moreover, all devices implemented by Marquis Intelligence comply with EU Directive 2011/65/EU, known as RoHS. This directive restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
In addition, ionization systems operate with exceptionally low energy consumption. Depending on the device type, typical power consumption ranges from 7 W to a maximum of 130 W per unit.
As a result, bipolar air ionization can support better energy efficiency. It can also contribute to more sustainable operation of ventilation and air conditioning systems.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence provides formal confirmation of compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU, or RoHS, together with the supplied equipment.
This confirmation forms part of the complete technical and accompanying documentation.
In addition, clients formally acknowledge receipt of this documentation by signing a dedicated acceptance statement.
Furthermore, the study Indoor Air Purification Technologies that Allow Reduced Outdoor Air Intake Rates While Maintaining Acceptable Levels of Indoor Air Quality discusses technologies such as bipolar air ionization using glass ionization tubes.
According to this study, these technologies can significantly improve indoor air quality. At the same time, they can allow a reduction in outdoor air intake.
As a result, this approach can lead to substantial energy savings.
More details are available in the original publication:
PDF study – ACEEE 2008
In practical applications, Marquis Intelligence has also achieved additional energy savings on several projects.
One of the most notable examples is London City Airport, or LCY. There, a bipolar air ionization system based on DBD, or dielectric barrier discharge, replaced the previously used air humidification system.
This upgrade delivered several benefits:
- elimination of static electricity,
- reduced energy and water consumption,
- improved indoor air quality,
- reduced ingress of unpleasant outdoor odours.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence provides formal confirmation of compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) together with the supplied equipment, as part of the complete technical and accompanying documentation. Clients formally acknowledge receipt of this documentation by signing a dedicated acceptance statement.
Furthermore, according to the study Indoor Air Purification Technologies that Allow Reduced Outdoor Air Intake Rates While Maintaining Acceptable Levels of Indoor Air Quality (C. Arzbaecher, P. Hurtado – Global Energy Partners; Ammi Amarnath – Electric Power Research Institute), technologies such as bipolar air ionisation using glass ionisation tubes can significantly improve indoor air quality while simultaneously allowing a reduction in outdoor air intake. This approach leads to substantial energy savings.
More details are available in the original publication:
PDF study – ACEEE 2008
In practical applications, additional energy savings have been achieved on several projects — most notably at London City Airport (LCY). There, a bipolar air ionisation system based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) replaced a previously used air humidification system.
This upgrade delivered the following benefits:
- elimination of static electricity,
- reduced energy and water consumption,
- improved indoor air quality,
- reduced ingress of unpleasant outdoor odours.
Yes. When engineers apply bipolar air ionization in accordance with technical recommendations, it is safe for the continuous presence of people, animals, and plants.
The devices used by Marquis Intelligence do not produce harmful by-products. Also, they do not emit ozone at concentrations above the limits defined by applicable standards.
CONFIRMATION
All bipolar air ionization devices implemented by Marquis Intelligence undergo testing in line with indoor air quality standards and safety-of-use requirements.
First, needlepoint discharge, or NP, devices used in Marquis Intelligence solutions do not emit ozone.
In these systems, controlled operating modes and ionization parameters ensure safe operation. Therefore, the devices fully eliminate ozone generation.
In addition, these NP devices hold UL 2998 certification for zero ozone emission. They also comply with European guidelines on limiting harmful emissions in HVAC systems.
Marquis Intelligence supplies certificates and technical documentation together with the equipment.
Systems based on dielectric barrier discharge, or DBD, technology use multi-level ozone emission protection.
First, engineers configure permissible ozone concentration levels in line with legally defined maximum thresholds. In addition, these systems can operate in “ZERO OZONE EMISSION” mode, which means without ozone generation.
The glass ionization tubes use precisely engineered electrodes. As a result, they enable ion emission without ozone formation.
Moreover, the system controls the voltage applied to the tubes. In this way, it limits the maximum ionization intensity.
Finally, an ozone sensor provides the last safety layer. It continuously measures ozone concentration and automatically regulates system operation.
Independent accredited laboratories and scientific institutions have also conducted measurements in treated spaces.
In all these measurements, they detected no ozone presence in any treated space.
Yes. Marquis Intelligence considers regular maintenance essential for every electronic device.
Regular maintenance supports long-term, efficient, and safe operation.
In bipolar air ionization systems, professional and timely maintenance preserves the designed performance. It also extends equipment service life and helps prevent technical issues.
In general, these systems are easy to maintain. Also, they do not require frequent interventions.
However, qualified personnel should always perform maintenance. They should follow the technical documentation and the manufacturer’s instructions.
CONFIRMATION
With every delivered unit, Marquis Intelligence provides complete technical and accompanying documentation.
This documentation includes:
- comprehensive technical documentation,
- declarations of conformity and certificates,
- detailed operating and maintenance instructions.
In Serbia, Marquis Intelligence always supplies these instructions in the Serbian language.
In addition, preventive maintenance contracts allow the Marquis Intelligence service team to take full responsibility for regular system maintenance.
At the Ušće 2 business complex in Belgrade, Marquis Intelligence currently maintains several air treatment systems for the Microsoft client.
These include:
- comprehensive technical documentation,
- declarations of conformity and certificates,
- and detailed operating and maintenance instructions — in Serbia, always supplied in the Serbian language.
Under preventive maintenance contracts, the Marquis Intelligence service team can take full responsibility for the regular maintenance of the systems.
At the Ušće 2 business complex in Belgrade, for the needs of the Microsoft client, Marquis Intelligence currently maintains:
- bipolar air ionisation systems based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD),
- systems using needlepoint discharge (NP) technology,
- as well as multi-stage air purification chambers serving dedicated technical areas.
Yes. Bipolar air ionization most often works as part of integrated air purification systems.
In these systems, engineers combine it with other air treatment methods. The final combination depends on the targeted system performance parameters.
This approach allows the system to achieve optimal efficiency. It can help neutralize particles, gases, microorganisms, and odours.
However, the exact configuration always depends on the building type, its use, and the specific air quality requirements.
CONFIRMATION
In practice, Marquis Intelligence implements hybrid air treatment solutions. The company tailors each solution to the complexity of the air quality challenge.
This approach becomes especially important in industrial facilities. In these environments, specific pollutants, strict safety requirements, and emission control targets often apply.
For example, Marquis Intelligence implemented complex air treatment systems at Carnex, in the industrial canteen sector in Vrbas.
In addition, the company implemented a complex system at the Knjaz Miloš factory in Aranđelovac, a producer of bottled natural mineral water.
Both systems include bipolar air ionization based on DBD, or dielectric barrier discharge, technology.
In both cases, engineers integrated ionization as part of a multi-stage system. Before that, they carried out a detailed analysis of spatial and technical conditions.
As a result, the systems achieved the required indoor air quality parameters.
You can find more information about these solutions on the Marquis Intelligence website, in the References section:
Marquis Intelligence References.
The effective range depends on several factors.
These include the capacity of the device, the configuration of the ventilation distribution network, and the distance between the device and supply diffusers.
The position of the device also matters. Engineers must consider its position in relation to air handling units, heat recovery units, fan coil units, silencers, and other system components.
Precise ion distribution also depends on the space itself. In addition, it depends on the installation method and the applied technology.
This technology may be DBD, or dielectric barrier discharge. It may also be NP, or needlepoint discharge.
Marquis Intelligence designs each system to achieve the most uniform possible ion distribution within the occupied space.
At the same time, the company defines guaranteed performance parameters for each specific building.
CONFIRMATION
Before every project, Marquis Intelligence conducts a detailed analysis of the space.
The team also analyzes the client’s specific air quality challenges and the targeted system performance.
Based on this analysis, Marquis Intelligence defines optimal device placement.
Then, the team evaluates the techno-economic justification for applying DBD or NP technology.
In some cases, the project requires only one technology.
In other cases, Marquis Intelligence combines both technologies.
However, in certain situations, one of the technologies may prove entirely unsuitable for a given building.
Concrete examples of combined application include:
At K-District, the administrative building of an IT company uses both DBD and NP devices. The choice depends on spatial configuration and the type of base ventilation system.
Dr Predrag Kolarž conducted all measurements as an independent expert. In addition, the company’s technical team performs its own indoor air quality monitoring.
At the Ušće II building, in the Microsoft office areas, Marquis Intelligence implemented devices based on both technologies.
The implementation followed the requirements of different zones within the building.
No. Bipolar air ionization does not serve as a primary solution for treating exhaust air from kitchen hoods.
Professional kitchen exhaust air contains high levels of grease, smoke particles, and organic vapours. Therefore, it requires different air treatment technologies.
However, bipolar ionization may form part of an indoor air treatment system within the kitchen space. For example, it can help reduce odours in occupied areas.
Still, it does not replace mandatory kitchen exhaust air treatment. It does not capture grease or heavily contaminated particles.
Moreover, applying bipolar air ionization to highly polluted air streams can create safety risks. This is especially important when flammable substances such as oils, fats, and organic residues are present.
CONFIRMATION
Marquis Intelligence applies specialized technologies for kitchen air treatment.
These solutions align with standards such as EN 16282, which governs professional kitchen ventilation systems.
Treating kitchen exhaust air in restaurants, hotels, and central kitchens requires multi-stage purification solutions. These systems must address high grease loads, odour control, and fire safety requirements.
For this reason, Marquis Intelligence uses dedicated kitchen exhaust air purification technologies for this type of application, rather than bipolar air ionization as the primary treatment method.
You can read more in the Marquis Intelligence Mini Case Study series:
Yes. Bipolar air ionization can be applied in healthcare facilities as part of integrated air treatment systems.
It is especially useful in spaces where it is important to reduce airborne particles, microorganisms, and unpleasant odours.
In hospitals and other healthcare environments, bipolar ionization technology is most often used together with ventilation systems, air filtration, and other air treatment technologies.
The goal is to reduce the concentration of bioaerosols, particulate matter, and gaseous pollutants in indoor spaces.
However, bipolar air ionization does not replace standard infection control measures.
These measures include proper ventilation, air filtration, and hygiene protocols in healthcare facilities.
Instead, bipolar air ionization acts as a supplementary technology. It can contribute to improved indoor air quality.
At the same time, the installation of bipolar ionization systems must not interfere with mandatory ventilation and air-conditioning components defined by regulations.
Therefore, engineers must pay particular attention to the location and method of installation.
They must also consider the position of existing system components.
CONFIRMATION
Bipolar ionization technologies are used in HVAC systems across different types of facilities, including healthcare institutions.
In these systems, the ventilation system generates ions and distributes them through the existing duct network.
The ions then interact with airborne particles and microorganisms.
However, professional literature emphasizes that system effectiveness depends on several factors.
These include proper design, correct integration with other air treatment technologies, and the actual conditions within the space.
Importantly, the installation of bipolar ionization must not compromise any regulatory system requirements.
For example, if HEPA filtration is prescribed as the final stage of air purification, bipolar ionization devices must not be installed downstream of the HEPA filter.
In other words, they must not be installed after the final filtration stage in the direction of airflow.
Marquis Intelligence has installed several hundred bipolar air ionization devices in healthcare facilities, including:
- Institute of Public Health Podgorica,
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina – Sremska Kamenica,
- General Hospital Subotica,
- both buildings of the Emergency Centre in Niš,
- Ferona Private Gynaecological Hospital – Novi Sad,
- Emergency Centre of Vojvodina – Novi Sad,
- Uromedica Private Clinic – Belgrade,
- Serbia Emergency Centre – IVF Department in Belgrade,
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Department in Belgrade,
and many other healthcare facilities.
You can read more about the example of the Ferona Specialised Gynaecological Hospital in Novi Sad, which ranked 1st in the field of IVF for 2024/2025 in the HealthCare Quality Watch – Best Private Hospitals in the Republic of Serbia ranking, in the Marquis Intelligence blog:
Mini Case Study: Impeccably Clean Air in a Hospital in Novi Sad.
Yes. There is a significant difference between standalone bipolar air ionization devices and devices installed within ventilation systems.
Standalone devices, including freestanding or portable units, generate ions directly in the room where they are placed. As a result, their effect is limited to that specific space.
These devices are commonly used in individual offices, flats, or smaller rooms where no central ventilation system is available.
In contrast, duct-mounted devices generate ions inside the airflow moving through the ventilation system. The ventilation network then distributes these ions through the building.
Therefore, the ions can act across multiple rooms, or even throughout the entire facility. For this reason, duct-mounted bipolar ionization systems are usually used in larger buildings.
These include office buildings, hotels, industrial facilities, and healthcare institutions where central ventilation systems already exist.
However, correct positioning and proper installation are essential in both cases.
When systems are properly sized, correctly installed, and adequately maintained, duct-mounted systems generally achieve better results.
This happens because they combine ionization with controlled fresh air supply and the removal of polluted air from the space.
As a result, the ventilation process also removes pollutants that bipolar ionization cannot directly influence, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).
CONFIRMATION
In its solutions, Marquis Intelligence uses both ion-generation technologies: NP, or needlepoint discharge, and DBD, or dielectric barrier discharge.
It also uses both duct-mounted and local devices, depending on the technical conditions of the building.
For example, at Radio Television of Serbia, Marquis Intelligence installed duct-mounted bipolar ionization devices for studios, control rooms, and other spaces connected to central ventilation systems.
However, in some offices that are not connected to HVAC systems, Marquis Intelligence installed local devices instead.
In certain cases, technical calculations confirm the need for additional local devices.
Marquis Intelligence then installs them to enhance system performance in specific zones with special requirements.
For instance, at the Emergency Centre of Vojvodina in Novi Sad, Marquis Intelligence installed additional local devices in so-called “unclean areas”.
These rooms are used for collecting contaminated bedding and textiles.
The goal was to achieve maximum effectiveness of the air treatment system.
You can read more about these and other references on the Marquis Intelligence website:
https://www.marquis.rs/en/#office-buildings.
As a rule, it is not recommended to use bipolar air ionisation systems and artificial fragrance devices in the same space or ventilation system at the same time.
Air fresheners work by releasing chemical compounds into the air that create a particular scent. These compounds belong to the group of volatile organic compounds (VOC – volatile organic compounds).
On the other hand, one of the key objectives of bipolar air ionisation is precisely the reduction of such chemical compounds in the air. For this reason, using these two approaches simultaneously can be contradictory – the ionisation system attempts to reduce substances that are deliberately being introduced into the space.
In some situations, this combination may also place an unnecessary load on the air purification system and reduce the overall efficiency of the air treatment process.
If unpleasant odours occur in a space, the recommended approach is to identify and eliminate their source, rather than masking them with additional chemical fragrances.
CONFIRMATION
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a common cause of unpleasant odours in indoor environments. For this reason, air treatment systems – including bipolar ionisation technologies – are often used specifically to reduce VOC concentrations.
In practice, indoor air quality specialists recommend addressing odours by removing their source and providing adequate ventilation, rather than introducing additional chemical substances into the air.
In its air quality projects, Marquis Intelligence focuses on solving the root causes of air quality problems, rather than masking them with artificial scent emissions.
Yes. The effect of bipolar air ionization can be measured, although there is no single parameter that fully describes its impact. In practice, the efficiency of such systems is evaluated through a combination of indoor air quality measurements.
Depending on the objective of the installation, different parameters may be monitored, including:
- Ion concentration in the air,
- Particle concentration (PM10, PM2.5, PM1),
- Concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC),
- Concentration of airborne microorganisms,
- User perception of odours and overall air quality.
The results of these measurements always depend on the real conditions within the space, including the ventilation system, sources of pollution, the installation method of the system, and the quality of outdoor air.
For this reason, proper system design and correct positioning of bipolar ionization devices are just as important as the technology itself.
In addition, regular system maintenance must not be overlooked, as it ensures long-term, efficient, and safe operation of the installed equipment.
CONFIRMATION
In some projects, Marquis Intelligence performs indoor air quality measurements before and after installing air treatment systems in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.
For example, in private flats, measurements may be taken before and after system installation, or results may be compared with the bipolar ionisation system switched on and off.
Similar air quality measurements have also been carried out in more complex environments, such as office and media facilities, as well as in certain pharmaceutical and industrial ventilation systems.
You can read more about some of these examples in the following case studies:
There is a clear difference between devices that generate only negative ions and systems designed for bipolar air ionization.
Devices that produce only negative ions (so-called unipolar ionization) generate a single type of ion – negative ions. A large number of scientific studies have focused on negative ions in the air, which has contributed to the widespread belief that they are the most important factor for improving air quality.
However, in clean natural air, there is a balance between positive and negative ions. In polluted environments, this balance becomes disrupted. Negative ions are smaller, more mobile, and more reactive, which means their concentration usually decreases first in polluted air.
Negative ions can contribute to the reduction of airborne pollutants, but they are also generated in bipolar ionization systems. Emitting only negative ions may create an ionic imbalance within the space and can lead to the accumulation of static electricity.
In contrast, bipolar air ionization systems generate both positive and negative ions. The presence of ions of both polarities allows the system to operate more stably and reduces the risk of static electricity buildup in the indoor environment.
For this reason, bipolar ionization is more commonly used in ventilation and air-conditioning systems, where it enables the controlled distribution of a balanced ion concentration through the airflow in the space.
The effectiveness of any air ionization system ultimately depends on the quality of the equipment, proper system design, and the actual conditions within the treated space.
CONFIRMATION
In its projects, Marquis Intelligence applies bipolar ionization technologies based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and needlepoint discharge (NP), depending on the technical requirements of the facility and the objectives of the air treatment system.
Measurements conducted after the installation of systems designed, installed, and maintained by Marquis Intelligence have shown that indoor ion levels remain balanced in accordance with SANPiN recommendations.
Yes. Bipolar air ionisation can increase the efficiency of particle removal in systems that use air filters. Ionisation generates both positive and negative ions that attach to airborne particles. As a result, these particles attract each other and form larger agglomerates, which are easier to capture on filters.
In addition, electrically charged particles have a higher probability of being retained on the fibres of the filter due to electrostatic forces.
CONFIRMATION
According to certain studies, under specific conditions ionisation can increase the efficiency of removing fine particles on filters several times, particularly for very small particles that are otherwise more difficult to capture.
Achieving such effects requires a solid understanding of filtration technologies and bipolar air ionisation, as well as proper system design tailored to the requirements of a specific building. This approach forms part of the technical methodology used by Marquis Intelligence, based on its 4D Air Purification Matrix.
The pressure drop across bipolar air ionization devices in HVAC systems is very small and typically amounts to up to 6 Pa.
Unlike mechanical filters, where the pressure drop increases over time as the filtration media becomes clogged with particles, the pressure drop across bipolar ionization devices remains stable over time, provided that the airflow rate through the system stays the same.
The reason for this is that bipolar ionization devices do not represent a physical barrier to airflow in the same way as filtration media that capture particles and gradually accumulate contaminants.
Because of this very low and stable pressure drop, bipolar ionization is often used as a supplementary air treatment technology in systems where maintaining the energy-efficient operation of HVAC equipment is important.
CONFIRMATION
A low pressure drop is one of the key advantages of bipolar ionization compared with mechanical filtration — especially in systems where an increase in pressure drop directly affects fan energy consumption and the overall operating costs of the HVAC system.
No. Bipolar air ionization systems operate almost silently. They contain no moving parts that could generate noise during operation.
As a result, their use does not compromise the acoustic comfort of a space. This makes them suitable for environments where low noise levels are particularly important, such as flats, hotel rooms, offices, and healthcare facilities.
CONFIRMATION
The bipolar air ionization devices used by Marquis Intelligence are installed in a wide range of buildings, including spaces with high requirements for comfort and uninterrupted occupancy. Since they do not contain fans or other moving components, these devices do not represent a source of noise within the space.
No. Bipolar air ionization systems do not heat the air. Their function is to generate positive and negative ions that participate in processes that reduce airborne pollutants.
Bipolar ionization devices operate with very low electrical power and do not contain heating elements. Therefore, they have no significant impact on the temperature of the air in the space or within the ventilation system.
CONFIRMATION
In practice, bipolar ionization devices are installed in ventilation ducts, air handling units, or local air treatment devices, where they function as a supplementary technology for improving air quality. Their operation does not influence the temperature parameters of the air, which are determined by the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
No. Bipolar air ionization does not affect either the relative or absolute humidity of the air.
These systems do not change the amount of water vapour present in the air. Therefore, humidity levels remain unchanged before and after bipolar ionization. Their function is to interact with airborne particles, microorganisms, and certain chemical compounds, but not with moisture in the air.
CONFIRMATION
The regulation of relative humidity in indoor environments is carried out using dedicated humidification or dehumidification systems, as well as through ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Devices for bipolar air ionization are used as a supplementary technology for improving air quality, rather than for controlling humidity levels.
The electrical energy consumption of bipolar air ionization systems is very low. Depending on the device type, design, and intended application, consumption typically ranges from approximately 7 W to about 130 W per unit.
Because of this low energy demand, bipolar ionization devices can operate continuously without significantly affecting the overall electricity consumption of a building.
CONFIRMATION
One of the key advantages of bipolar ionization technology in HVAC systems is precisely its very low energy consumption relative to its potential impact on indoor air quality.
For this reason, the technology is often used as a supplementary element of ventilation and air-conditioning systems, particularly in buildings where energy efficiency is an important priority.
Yes. Bipolar air ionization devices from the Marquis Intelligence portfolio can be connected to a building’s BMS (Building Management System), depending on the device type and the technical design of the installation.
Integration with the BMS system allows operators to monitor device operation, control switching on and off, and track system status through the building’s central management platform.
CONFIRMATION
In modern office buildings, hotels, and other complex facilities, air treatment systems are often integrated into the BMS to enable centralised monitoring and control of HVAC installations.
In its projects, Marquis Intelligence implements solutions that allow the integration of bipolar air ionization systems with existing building management systems, in accordance with the technical requirements of each project.