Decontamination system eliminates contaminants

Citation

(2009), "Decontamination system eliminates contaminants", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 56 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2009.12856aab.015

Decontamination system eliminates contaminants

Article Type: Environment and safety From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 56, Issue 1

Scientific Laboratory Supplies has introduced an air sterilisation and decontamination system that destroys harmful particulates, resulting in better air control and protection. The Air Manager system is a sterilisation technique that does not rely on filtering out airborne pathogens and particulates, it destroys them. This technology is based upon close-coupled field technology (CCFT), which utilises an electrically-generated plasma field to sterilise the passing atmosphere. Air Manager works by drawing air into the unit via a fan system that passes through and around the CCFT.

Any atmospherically carried particulates, be they viable pathogens, pyrogenic material, chemical fumes, odours, viruses, or other offending materials, are “zapped” by the plasma field as a result of its own electrical charge. This “zapping” breaks down the chemical bonds of any materials and reduces the offending particulates, in most cases down to their elemental constituents.

Additionally, heavier elemental constituents, which can be harmful, are generated by the breakdown of CO₂ in the atmosphere and are then removed by the combination of the CCFT and the charged exhaust filter bed. As CCFT technology ensures total destruction of airborne contamination, these systems reduce the chances of failure compared to HEPA or other conventional methods. They also contribute toward cost savings. For example, savings on expensive plate stocks, due to the reduction of test-failure rates and the removal of T4 Phage contaminants helps to protect glycerol stocks of bacterial cultures and so avoids expensive losses.

Removal of odours and chemical fumes means enhanced protection and contributes to a safer, more pleasant working environment. Air Manager units are available in a range of convenient options; these include wall, ceiling and table mountable. Applications for the Air Manager system include laboratories experiencing any level of failure in plate testing or tissue culture, facilities with an autoclave for odour reduction and universities teaching inexperienced handlers of pathogenic material.

More information is available from: www.scientific-labs.com.