Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Compact Decontamination Device Using Cold Plasma-Generated Singlet Oxygen
EPA Contract Number: 68D02082Title: Compact Decontamination Device Using Cold Plasma-Generated Singlet Oxygen
Investigators: Bilanin, Alan J.
Small Business: Continuum Dynamics Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 30, 2002 through March 31, 2003
Project Amount: $69,727
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Results showed that the preliminary device can produce singlet oxygen safely, and can destroy biotoxin simulant at up to a 4-log reduction, without process optimization. The measured temperature of the cold plasma effluent was less than 10°C above ambient temperature. These results, and analysis of the power and equipment required, suggest that a lightweight, small backpack-mounted, low-power device is feasible and can be fabricated during Phase II.Conclusions:
Through an innovative combination of microwave technology coupled with compressible fluid dynamics, the Phase I research project resulted in the development of a safe, effective, inexpensive, and easy to use decontamination system. The availability of a compact cold plasma device could have a large impact on decontamination needs within the military. It also may have the potential for multiple applications in the private sector, beginning with museums, historic buildings, and important government and civilian buildings. Completion of the project could lead directly to commercial sterilization equipment for the food and health care industry.Supplemental Keywords:
cold plasma-generated singlet oxygen, decontamination, bioterrorism, biotoxin simulant, sterilization, effluent, military, SBIR, Air, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Biochemistry, compact decontamination device, chemical treatment, microbial contaminants, homeland security, building decontamination, decontamination, biological warfare agents, portable decontamination, bioterrorism, chemical warfare agentsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.