Plasmacluster Installation Case: 4

Reducing Odors in Fresh Fish and Meat Processing Rooms Where Air Ventilation Is Difficult.
Ceiling-Dispersed Ions Improve Hygiene.

Name: A-Coop Kanto Co., Ltd.
Industry: Super market
Location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Product: Ion generator IG-2B35A (4 units), IG-1B10A (4 units)

Issues before Installation
Processing raw meat and fish created unwanted odors.
Strong odors from blood and raw meat were an issue in rooms used for processing fish and meat. During a large-scale refurbishment of one of its stores, A-Coop Kanto decided to conduct air purification measures to improve the working environment for employees.
Effect after Installation
1. Ceiling installation keeps floor space clear 
2. Staff hail improved air quality from Plasmacluster ion generators
3. Being installed in the ceiling, the Plasmacluster ion generators don’t take up any floor space in the work area. And due to their energy-saving design, they can be operated around the clock without creating concerns about electricity costs. Dispersed efficiently from the ceiling, Plasmacluster ions effectively improve hygiene levels in the processing rooms.

Mr. Masaru Yoshida, A-Coop Nakata Store Store Manager

Installation Purpose
Sought to eliminate odors in rooms used for processing fresh fish and meat.
Wanted to counteract airborne bacteria.
Located at the back of the sales area, the rooms used for processing fresh meat and fish are confined spaces that were difficult to ventilate effectively. Strong odors were a particular problem. As these rooms are used for processing raw foodstuffs, we sought stronger countermeasures against airborne bacteria as part of our effort to ensure hygiene. Hence, we decided to take proactive measures during the store refurbishment to improve the air environment.

The Reason for Choosing Plasmacluster
Ceiling-installed design promotes safety throughout the workspace
Although there were many other options, we decided upon two Sharp Plasmacluster models. Our decision was swayed by the knowledge that Sharp has achieved total sales of 40 million Plasmacluster units and by the fact that the Plasmacluster models we chose have been effectively deployed in seafood processing factories. Because water is splashed on the processing room floors during work, we decided to pick ceiling-installed models that would be in no danger of getting wet. These models have the further benefit of not taking up any working space. Models were selected according to the size of the room where they would be deployed and based on the strength of odors they would have to deal with. A large-room model was installed in the seafood processing room, which has a large working area, while a small-room model was installed in the sushi kitchen, which is relatively small.

Effect after Installation
Employees pleasantly surprised at improvement in air quality. 
Efficient dispersal of ions enhances hygiene measures.
Due to their energy-saving design, Sharp Plasmacluster ion generators can be operated around the clock without causing concern for electricity costs. Even if one was operated all day, every day, the total annual electricity cost would be just 4,050 yen*. Odors in the processing rooms have been reduced to a comfortable level, with employees reporting that the improvement is particularly noticeable at the beginning of morning shifts. Thanks to their well-placed installation in ceilings, the air purifiers disperse Plasmacluster ions efficiently throughout the workspace and thereby help to support hygiene measures there. Plasmacluster stickers placed on processing room windows are visible to customers and give the store a sense of added value.
*Calculation based on an electricity billing rate of 22 yen/kWh (tax included) with PCI unit operating in standard air-flow mode.

Future Idea
PCI generators will be gradually installed in other group stores
For now, Plasmacluster ion generators have been installed in the rear processing rooms only, but we are considering installing some above our sales floors in order to further improve customer satisfaction. This was the first installation of Plasmacluster ion generators by a store in the A-Coop group. We have been very pleased with the results, and we plan to install Plasmacluster ion generators in other group stores when opportunities arise (e.g. during store refurbishments)