[s-cars] musty smelling ac

[Kirby Smith]

Normally, ozone is created in quantity for swimming pool disinfection by
powering a xenon arc lamp.  The lamp generates a lot of UV, which breaks
down oxygen.  The raw oxygen then combines with O2 to make O3 -- ozone.
The air around the lamp is sucked into the swimming pool recirculation
flow via a venturi.  A UV lamp near the air intake might work if the fan
was running.

kirby

Scott Munger wrote:
>
> Dave,
> I've been doing quite a bit of "odor" research as I
> had a similar problem, although my main problem is
> smoke smell, here is my 8 cents...
>
> The gym socks smell is most likely due to a bacterial
> source, so if you kill the bacteria, you should be
> able to kill the smell.  Kirby suggested bleach or
> hydrogen peroxide, both of which are powerful
> oxidizers but have the limitation of being liquid and
> hard to control.  Furthermore, with a liquid, you have
> to know where the source is to kill it.  Ozone is a
> very powerful oxidizer and since it's a gas, you can
> "fog" your whole car or rest a producer on your hood
> while the A/C fan runs.  In fact, only flourine is
> more powerful than ozone.  The best part is that it's
> totally broken down into O2 and (something)+Oxygen in
> less than an hours time (more like 20 minutes).
> I've not personally tried this yet as ozone producers
> are several hundred dollars and I want to make sure it
> works before I invest... although I've heard that you
> can rent them for use in rooms and RV's (I'm currently
> looking).
>
> Some caveats with Ozone... don't be  (or have pets or
> people) in or near the car/room when you are "fogging"
> as Ozone isn't picky about what it oxidizes and
> doesn't limit itself from lung tissue.  Small amounts
> are generally harmless, but the EPA strictly warns
> about using ozone sources as an air freshener where
> people constantly work/live.
>
> Another problem with Ozone is that it will break down
> rubbers, vinyls, etc... things cars tend to be made
> of.  Since a fogging would be about 1 hour per
> (year)?, this may be a non-issue, but something to
> consider nonetheless.
>
> Lastly, once the bacteria, smoke, etc is oxidized, the
> mystery is what did it turn into...
>
> Ozone is currently used to sanitize air and water with
> great success and supposedly can break down smoke
> molecules as well as kill bacterial and viral growth.
>
> Another fix that I tried with good success is to run
> the A/C and spray the most neutral scented Lysol anti
> bacterial and "Wizard" air neutralizer into the air
> intake on the exterior in front of the windshield.
> This worked pretty well... but I'm still on a mission.
>
> I'll update you if I can locate an ozone machine... Or
> build one, it's only electricity and a discharge area
> w/circulating air....
>
> --Scott
>
> >Anyone have a fix for that musty odor coming from the
> >ac before the air
> >gets cold or if just running the fan? Smells like my
> >dirty gym socks in
> >there.
> >Dave O'Neil
> >95.5 S6
>
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