John Wayne Airport Turns to Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Photoluminescent Technology to Increase Traveler Safety

SANTA ANA, CA–(Marketwire – September 21, 2010) –  As part of its overall commitment to efficiency, John Wayne Airport, Southern California’s second busiest airport, recently implemented photoluminescent (PL) technology to provide safety and to be more energy efficient.

John Wayne Airport is using PL exit signs and new PL illumination products to: (1) provide emergency exit markings throughout the 448,000 square-foot terminal building (Terminals A and B); (2) illuminate all 14 passenger loading bridges in case of a power outage; and (3) update exit signage within the Airport’s two administrative office buildings.

Serving between 20,000 – 30,000 passengers daily, John Wayne Airport is the first commercial airport to utilize PL technology to provide emergency illumination for passenger loading bridges that is non-electronic nor battery nor generator-powered.

This PL system provides cost savings by replacing other forms of backup power such as emergency generators or battery packs that require regular maintenance and testing. Called Nebulite™ sticks, and manufactured by Brea, Calif.-based GlowZone, these photoluminescent rods, when placed inside overhead light fixtures provide hours of glowing light that would be critical in an emergency. These recyclable, energy efficient PL products are made with non-toxic compounds.

Photoluminescent (PL) exit signs and egress marking systems have been installed in large office buildings and other facilities around the U.S., replacing outdated technology for emergency signage.

Photoluminescent technology has advanced considerably since the novelty items produced years ago. Today’s photoluminescent products utilize pigments based on strontium oxide aluminate that offers 10 times the glow capabilities of the zinc sulfide-based products used before. Photoluminescent pigments possess the unique capacity to absorb and store energy from ambient light like a naturally occurring battery. In darkness, the pigments instantly emit a luminous glow by releasing the stored light energy.

“The safety of John Wayne Airport’s passengers, employees, and tenants is our highest priority,” said Airport Safety Officer Mark Walker. “Photoluminescent technology helps us ensure we maintain a safe environment in case of emergency, and allows us to do so in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.” 

About John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the County of Orange and serves approximately nine million passengers annually. The Airport is served by 10 commercial passenger airlines serving 20 non-stop destinations in the United States and Canada. More information can be found at www.ocair.com.

About GlowZone
A widely recognized industry leader in the field of photoluminescent technology, GlowZone’s years of research, development and manufacturing has led the company to develop and commercialize significant advances in photoluminescent technology. GlowZone develops high-value customer applications that can provide a level of safety that may mean the difference between life and death.

For more information or color samples, please contact GlowZone at (714)256-2202 or via email at [email protected]

Editor’s note: Photos available upon request.