Introducing the BASF VOZC Converter

BASF Dual Ozone/VOC catalytic converters are the only available OEM approved products with the ability to treat VOCs commonly found at low elevation and around airports.  They are the only defense mechanism in front of the passenger cabin protecting passengers and crew from potential VOC exposure: whether that’s from another aircraft exhaust, localized pollution, deicing fluids or engine oil lubricants. The catalyst technology requires no moving parts or electronics prone to failure; their continued effectiveness only requires servicing at C-Checks.

It’s not a custom design for each aircraft or a particular market. BASF works closely with an aircraft manufacturer to design a converter to their specifications. The converter will be designed to fit within the required space envelope to the required tolerances, and each aircraft manufacturer may request a specific catalyst formulation that differs from others to better perform to their requirements.

BASF pioneered Ozone and VOC catalytic converters in aerospace. No other company produces converters across more industries than BASF.  Next generation VOZC technology is proven to reduce VOCs more than any other available catalyst material.

Converter maintenance is carried out by the same people at the same manufacturing facilities, employing the same materials and techniques used building brand new units for new aircraft. The only way to know if a serviced unit has the same technology and catalyst materials as the OEM unit is to only use OEM-approved service providers. Third party repair shops do not use the same materials as the OEM products, they don’t know the formulation or methods to meet OEM requirements for effectiveness and efficiency over the service life. Additionally 100 percent of BASF new and serviced products are leak tested by independent testing labs to ensure units are completely leak-proof. Several units previously serviced by third party shops fail this testing when tested.

MRO services by non-approved MROs void OEM warranties. Overcoating OEM catalyst materials with unproven materials may not last to the next service interval. It may cause back-pressure issues that adversely affect engine performance and it will add weight. Non-OEM approved services have not been evaluated or approved by aircraft manufacturers and their effectiveness over time is unknown. Non-OEM approved repairs commonly fail leak testing by independent laboratories. Third Party MRO services and repairs use cheaper and inferior materials and workmanship does not meet OEM requirements.

Warranty is void if service or repair is done by non-approved MROs. Non-approved MROs commonly interchange standard ozone converters or first-generation ozone VOC converters for more expensive and higher-performing converters. Exchanges from non-approved MROs can introduce non-OEM catalyst materials to your clean fleet.  When your airline ordered the best available technology why would it accept an exchange unit that doesn’t provide the performance specified originally? One in-service delay, cancellation or turnback easily eclipses the annual cost of an OEM-approved service regimen.

The only way to make sure converters provide the same effectiveness you ordered on your aircraft in the first place is to service the converters at the same place they came from, serviced by the same people building new units with the same materials.  BASF is the global leader in catalyst technology; no other company knows catalyst materials or the processes involved to meet the original required specifications. Unplanned delays, cancellations, turnbacks or diversions will cost far more annually than the cost of servicing your fleet. When total cost of ownership is considered, the OEM-approved service plan is undoubtedly lower.

BASF's MRO service and repair consistently meets advertised TATs (turnaround times) across all regions and with all customers.  Our partnership with VAS for repair administration allows customers to check in on their repair status easily. VAS repair administration follows stringent AS9100 quality standards. The best illustration of customer satisfaction of our repair services is that our customers keep coming back once they start using the maintenance and repair services.

BASF’s area of excellence is the design, manufacturing and maintenance of catalyst systems. They have the technical expertise and experience to do it right.  BASF’s maintenance facilities are staffed by the same people building new units for new aircraft.

The OEM service recommendation is after 9,000 hours or five years. Units are cleaned and tested for efficiency at this interval. In most cases after the wash/test procedure the converter will pass test requirements with minimal performance losses and prolonging time between recore or replacement.

Typically services are aligned with C-Check maintenance procedures and easily returned before aircraft are scheduled for return to service. Also VAS now offers exchange units to customers to meet tougher deadlines. Finally, most operators will manage their own exchange inventories, so every time a unit is removed for maintenance/repair service it is replaced by an on-hand unit out of their own stock.

Satair stocks factory new inventory of the most common ozone and ozone/VOC converters from BASF.  Regular orders for converters are delivered within seven days from our locations around the world and can be delivered much faster in Aircraft On Ground (AOG) and high priority cases meeting the strict OEM operational performance requirements  Please reach out to us for plans to retrofit your fleet.

Absolutely – the fastest and most economical way to implement the next generation of VOZC technology is through our UpCore service. Standard ozone converters and first generation ozone/VOC converters can be opened by BASF technicians and existing catalysts are removed and replaced with next generation materials and returned under the new part number with a new four-year factory warranty and an FAA-required 8130-3 certificate.

There are no comparable converters available for BASF VOZC products. Some repair facilities may be cheaper, but when the total cost of ownership is considered, including operational reliability and performance, there is no way to provide the same value as BASF.

BASF converters are available on a wide range of commercial aircraft as OEM factory-fit products. New VOZC technology is available on Airbus A320 family series of aircraft, and then VOC2.0 can be modified to meet the specifications of other OEMs as requested.