KR102596475B1 - Microwave-assisted surface decontamination systems and decontamination methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile decontamination system and microwave-assisted decontamination method are disclosed for decontaminating various contaminated surfaces disposed external to the system. The systems and methods include treating the surface with a harmless chemical agent and then exposing it to microwave irradiation for a short period of time to kill viruses and B. anthracis , B. thuringiensis and P. roqueforti (Penicillium roque). Forti) includes at least a 6-log reduction in biological contaminants, including spores. The formulation contains percarbonate and surfactant in water.

Description

Microwave-assisted surface decontamination systems and decontamination methods

This application relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/032726 (filed on June 1, 2020), “Microwave Assisted Method and System for Surface Contamination Removal,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This disclosure was made in part with U.S. Government support under Contract No. HSHQDC-14-C-00050 awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The United States Government may have certain rights in this disclosure.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for decontaminating a variety of contaminated surfaces, both in enclosed structures and in large areas. In particular, the systems and methods include treating the surface with a benign chemical formulation followed by short-term exposure to radio frequency radiation (microwaves).

According to a recent report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its partners (N. van Doremalen, et al., 2020), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists within aerosols and on surfaces for hours to days. It is stable for a while. SARS-CoV-2 was detectable in aerosols for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 2 to 3 days. These results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease, and suggest that people can become infected with the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. The half-life of SARS-CoV-2 on cardboard was longer than that of SARS-CoV-1. The estimated median half-life of SARS-CoV-2 was approximately 5.6 hours on stainless steel and approximately 6.8 hours on plastic. Rapid and effective surface decontamination methods are required to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The commercial aviation industry suffered billions of dollars in lost revenue during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic. The only approved method for decontaminating commercial aircraft is for personnel wearing protective clothing and respirators to manually wipe all surfaces within the aircraft using a liquid disinfectant (e.g., diluted bleach). This is a very slow process and is impractical if decontamination is required from a large number of aircraft. Other market segments, such as the travel and hospitality market, have similar requirements to address contamination from cruise ships, buses, trains and other shared environments. Decontamination has been tested on military aircraft using hot, humid air. According to the report, a treatment period of three to four days is required to destroy the spores using high temperature and humidity levels. This approach also damages critical systems within the aircraft. In a pandemic or biological attack situation, there is a high risk of contamination of the aircraft or APOD (Aerial Point of Debarkation). Conventional oxidizing decontamination agents have the potential to embrittle aircraft aluminum or damage sensitive equipment within the APOD.

Returning to the healthcare market, cleaning and disinfection functions are routinely performed throughout the healthcare industry. Hospital rooms, operating rooms and isolation rooms for highly infectious patients require routine disinfection or, in some cases, complete sterilization. The target organisms are generally not fungi but bacteria, bacterial spores, and viruses. Ventilation systems may require periodic disinfection. Decontaminating an entire building is expensive and difficult. The Bio-response Operational Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) project tests responses to B. anthracis spore releases from initial public health and law enforcement investigations through environmental remediation at the scale of a medium-sized building. It was a multi-institutional activity designed to evaluate and assess First responders also face decontamination or disinfection issues. Decontamination of ambulances transporting patients with infectious diseases, such as Ebola Virus disease, or patients infected with types of coronavirus (e.g., COVID-19 patients) is difficult because the ambulance must be addressed before it can be placed back into service.

Fumigants have been used to decontaminate surfaces exposed to agents released from enclosed structures, such as the 2001 Amerithrax attack carried out through the mail. A major challenge during the decontamination of the U.S. Hart Senate Office Building was maintaining a minimum temperature of 70°F and a minimum relative humidity of 65% RH for the decontaminant, chlorine dioxide (CD), to be stable and effective. Under conditions outside this range, CD easily decomposes to produce chlorine, which is highly reactive and damages surfaces. Additionally, CD is toxic to humans. A CD concentration of approximately 700 ppm was used for several times. The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for CD is 0.1 ppm, the 15-minute short term exposure limit (STEL) is 0.25 ppm, and the NIOSH immediately damaging to life and health: IDLH) level is 5 ppm. As a result of these cleaning operations, significant damage was reported to surfaces within the building.

The use of other fumigants is also problematic. For example, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) at a concentration of 200 ppm is somewhat less toxic than CD with a PEL of 1 ppm, STEL of 2 ppm, and IDLH of 75 ppm. Other examples of fumigants for decontamination are methyl bromide and formaldehyde. Methyl bromide is a well-known and very potent greenhouse gas and the structures must be completely covered to minimize emissions into the atmosphere. Formaldehyde has only been used for limited purposes, such as decontaminating small rooms and laboratory equipment. Formaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen, is toxic (PEL 0.75 ppm and STEL 2 ppm) and typically leaves a solid polymer residue that must be cleaned from all surfaces to prevent long-term out-gassing. Fumigants are also not useful for surface decontamination in wide area outdoor release scenarios.

For decontamination of large-scale (outdoor) surfaces, oxidation has been attempted to deactivate biological threat agents on surfaces. Oxidizing agents include at least one of hydroxyl radicals, gaseous oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite (bleaching agents such as sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite), and chlorine, which can be generated as needed on site. However, these chemicals damage surfaces and are generally toxic to humans. Because of these adverse aftereffects, the U.S. Department of Defense has attempted to decontaminate land vehicles biologically, for example using hot soapy water, and has also attempted to decontaminate aircraft interiors using a combination of hot air and high humidity over long periods of time. These approaches are not effective in destroying biological contaminants. Additionally, when biothreat agents spread widely, hazmat teams have difficulty decontaminating their own equipment and vehicles.

Additionally, for decontamination of large areas, the surfaces are first exposed to chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and then exposed to microwave radiation to kill biological agents, highly reactive oxidative species. There has also been an attempt to create a . For example, 6-log kill (>99.999% reduction) of Bacillus anthracis (Sterne) spores on complex surfaces was demonstrated by The Raytheon Company and Los Alamos National Laboratory using diluted household bleach ( The surface was sprayed with 0.025% sodium hypochlorite) or carbon black and then 95 GHz irradiation was used to activate the treated surface for approximately 5 to 120 seconds. At exposure times >5 seconds, a reduction greater than 6-log was observed in B. anthracis . In this hybrid approach, the chemicals used prior to exposure to radio frequency radiation, such as microwaves, can be viewed as directed energy enhancers (“DEEs”). When exposed to RF radiation, the DEE chemicals produce oxygen-containing radicals that have bactericidal properties and kill biological contaminants. These reactive species can be continuously generated by treating contaminated surfaces with DEE chemicals and exposing them to RF radiation. This hybrid approach has two outstanding advantages over other technologies: (1) it allows the use of very low concentrations of decontaminant substances, which significantly lowers costs and alleviates material compatibility and environmental contamination issues, and (2) it provides a temporary The active biocide species (oxygen-containing radicals) can be continuously regenerated due to their interaction with the material, preventing the need for re-application. However, bleach is harmful to surfaces. Additionally, because carbon black is conductive, it has a tendency to penetrate into equipment (such as computers) on its surface and cause electrical shorts.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20180007922, “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MICROWAVE DECONTAMINATION OF FOOD SURFACES” describes a method and system for decontaminating the surface of food items, such as pieces of meat. . The method involves treating food and/or pieces of meat with microwaves in the range of 0.5 to 18 GHz, such as 4 to 18 GHz. This method was used to treat pieces of meat whose surfaces were contaminated with C. botulinum (Clostridium botulinum) spores or C. botulinum vegetative cells. U.S. Patent No. 6797242, “SYSTEM FOR CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION,” discloses a system that generates singlet delta oxygen to neutralize chemical and biological contaminants. This system can decontaminate large amounts of polluted air and is not limited by atmospheric humidity. U.S. Patent No. 7629918, “MULTIFUNCTIONAL RADIO FREQUENCY DIRECTED ENERGY SYSTEM,” discloses a system including a radio frequency transmitter and antenna that directs high-output electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause high-energy damage or destruction to a target. do. U.S. Patent No. 8943744, “APPARATUS FOR USING MICROWAVE ENERGY FOR INSECT AND PEST CONTROL AND METHODS THEREOF,” refers to the use of microwave energy to treat sites infested with insects or other small pests. Discloses a device using . The device includes a microwave energy source, a transmitting element, and an antenna connected to a power source and power controller. Methods of using such devices for treatment of contaminated sites are also disclosed. Lai et al. (2005) disclose a portable microwave plasma torch powered by airflow for decontamination of biological weapons. Emission spectroscopy of the plasma torch reveals the production of abundant reactive atomic oxygen, which can effectively oxidize biological agents. Bacillus cereus was chosen as a simulant of Bacillus anthracis spores for biological agents in decontamination experiments. As a result of the experiment, it was found that all spores were killed within 8 seconds at a distance of 3 cm, within 12 seconds at a distance of 4 cm, and within 16 seconds at a distance of 5 cm from the nozzle of the torch.

As a result, the threat of aerosolized biological agents remains a major concern for the U.S. government due to the potentially serious consequences to life and property that could result from such an event. Two major threat scenarios of particular concern are: (1) the release of agents inside enclosed structures (e.g., office buildings, airports, public transportation facilities) where HVAC systems could effectively distribute the agents throughout the entire structure; release, and (2) wide-area release of the agent across populated areas such as towns or cities. Exposure to such released aerosolized agents can result in mass casualties. In wide-area emissions, it is extremely difficult to protect citizens from initial exposure. Safe, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions are needed to minimize surface damage and mitigate the long-term effects associated with exposure to re-aerosolized and surface-deposited agents. Methods and systems that do not use hazardous chemicals are needed to decontaminate surfaces, both in enclosed structures and large areas, rapidly, without causing material damage to the surfaces or causing adverse effects on humans, and at low cost. DEE chemical formulations with low chemical toxicity, minimal corrosion, and environmental compatibility are needed. A minimum 6-log reduction in biological contaminants is desired using low temperatures, preferably close to ambient temperature.

Exemplary methods and systems for decontaminating a variety of surfaces, both enclosed structures and large areas, are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods include treating the surface with a benign chemical formulation followed by exposing the surface to radio frequency radiation (microwaves) for a short period of time.

An exemplary mobile system for treating a contaminated surface disposed externally thereto is disclosed, the system comprising: one or more built-in tanks for storing a directed energy enhancer (DEE) agent within each tank; A sprayer comprising a plurality of nozzles removably connected to a fluid manifold and in fluid communication with the one or more storage tanks for spraying the DEE agent at a predetermined spray rate and substantially coating the contaminated surface to form a coating surface. a radio frequency (RF) subsystem comprising a subsystem, a microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation of a predetermined frequency and a plurality of pyramidal horn antennas to direct the microwave radiation to the coating surface, and a motor; a mobile subsystem including one or more of a wheeled undercarriage, computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor, gyroscope, and robotic platform control system driven by a power supply; and a control system arranged to be in two-way communication with the nebulizer subsystem, RF subsystem, mobile subsystem and power supply. The nozzles include a flat-fan nozzle, an extended range flat-fan nozzle, an even flat-fan nozzle, and a twin orifice flat-fan nozzle. It may include one or more of an orifice-flat fan nozzle, a flood nozzle, a hollow-cone orifice nozzle, and a full-cone orifice nozzle. The microwave RF radiation may be characterized by a frequency of about 2.35 GHz to about 2.65 GHz. The microwave radiation may be characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. The system may be configured to be remotely controlled by a human operator. The system may be configured to operate substantially autonomously. The microwave generator can generate microwave RF radiation at a power density of about 1 W/cm ² to about 2 W/cm ² . The DEE formulation may contain about 2.5 wt.-% PCSR in water. The control system may be configured to control movement of the robotic mobile platform using input from one or more of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes. The control system is configured to provide power to the microwave generator, deliver a predetermined dose of DEE formulation from the tank to the plurality of nozzles, focus the plurality of nozzles to ensure coating of the contaminated surface, and and may be configured to control one or more of transmission of microwave radiation from the microwave generator through a plurality of horn antennas, and focusing of the microwave radiation onto the coating surface. The control system determines the amount of DEE remaining in the one or more tanks using one or more of an initial amount of DEE formulation in the tank, a spray rate from the one or more nozzles, and a spray time corresponding to the one or more spray rates. It may be further configured to measure the amount of. The system may further include a data acquisition component and a data transmission component for transmitting data to a remote server. The data includes the composition of the DEE agent, the amount of DEE agent used to treat the contaminated surface, the amount of DEE agent remaining in the one or more tanks, the frequency of the microwave irradiation used, the power density of the microwave irradiation, and the microwave irradiation treatment time. and types of contaminants. The system power supply may be in electrical communication with one or more of a power supply available on board the aircraft and a power supply available on ground support when the aircraft is parked at an airport containing an aircraft maintenance hangar. The system may be powered by a suitable battery pack on-board the system.

An exemplary method of treating a contaminated surface disposed external to the system is disclosed, comprising providing an exemplary mobile system for treating a contaminated surface, the method comprising: spraying a DEE agent onto the contaminated surface to forming a coating surface by substantially coating the surface, wherein the DEE formulation comprises about 2.5 wt.-% PCSR in water; and exposing the coating surface to microwave irradiation for a predetermined exposure time to substantially contaminate the coating surface. removing the treated surface to produce a treated surface, wherein the treated surface is characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. The DEE formulation may additionally include about 1 wt.-% of a surfactant. The contaminated surface may include one or more of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. The contaminated surfaces may include one or more of the surfaces inside hospital rooms, aircraft, and office buildings. The surface contaminants include 229E (alpha coronavirus), NL63 (alpha coronavirus), OC43 (beta coronavirus), HKU1 (beta coronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and May include one or more of SARS-coronavirus-2. The microwave radiation may be characterized by a frequency of about 2.35 GHz to about 2.65 GHz. The microwave radiation may be characterized by a frequency of approximately 2.45 GHz. The microwave irradiation may be characterized by a heat output of about 500 W to about 2000 W. The predetermined exposure time for microwave irradiation exposure may be from about 10 seconds to about 45 seconds. The predetermined exposure time for microwave irradiation exposure may be about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds.

An exemplary microwave-assisted surface decontamination method for treating a surface contaminated with a contaminant is disclosed, the method comprising spraying a DEE agent onto the contaminated surface to substantially coat the contaminated surface, thereby forming a coated surface. forming the DEE formulation comprising about 2.5 wt.-% PCSR in water, waiting for a predetermined hold time, and exposing the coated surface to microwave irradiation for a predetermined exposure time to Substantially decontaminating thereby producing a treated surface, wherein the treated surface is characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. The predetermined holding time may be about 15 seconds to about 45 seconds.

A DEE formulation for use in microwave-assisted surface decontamination is disclosed, the formulation comprising about 2.5 wt.-% PCSR in water. The formulation may further include about 1 wt.-% of surfactant in water.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described and illustrated, and in part in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and achieved by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

The foregoing aspects of the present disclosure and their many attendant advantages will be better understood and more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary microwave assisted method for surface decontamination.
2 is a perspective view of an exemplary microwave assisted device for surface decontamination.
3 is a perspective view of another exemplary microwave assisted device for surface decontamination.
4 is a perspective view (exploded view) of an exemplary microwave assisted decontamination device with a graphical user interface.
5 is a perspective view of an exemplary microwave assisted decontamination device with a graphical user interface.
All reference numerals, leaders and callouts in the drawings are incorporated by this reference as if fully described herein. Failure to assign a code to an element of a drawing does not waive the right. Unsigned references may also be identified by text in the drawings and claims.

The following detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description of the invention. The drawings show by way of example specific embodiments in which the pilot assembly and method may be implemented. These embodiments, which are to be understood as “examples” or “options,” are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Embodiments may be combined, different embodiments may be utilized, or structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents.

In this disclosure, the term “a” or “an” is used to include one or more, and the term “or” is used to indicate a non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. Also, it is to be understood that phrases and terms used herein, unless otherwise defined, are for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this disclosure, when interpreting the scope of the term “about,” the margin of error associated with the disclosed values (dimensions, operating conditions, etc.) is ±10% of the values indicated in this disclosure. The margin of error associated with values stated as percentages is ±1% of the indicated percentage. The word "substantially" used before a specific word includes the meanings of "to a significant extent to a specified extent" and "to a large extent, but not entirely, to a specified extent."

Certain aspects of the invention are described in considerable detail below for the purpose of illustrating the construction, principles, and operation of the disclosed methods and systems. However, various modifications may be made and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exemplary aspects described.

Treatment of contaminated surfaces with the exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein followed by exposure to RF radiation is effective against pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-Coronavirus-2. As a surrogate, it can be used to destroy viruses such as the commonly used MS2 bacteriophage. These exemplary treatment methods can be used to destroy viruses such as MS2 bacteriophages, which are commonly used as surrogates for pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-coronavirus-2. The viruses include 229E (alpha coronavirus), NL63 (alpha coronavirus), OC43 (beta coronavirus), HKU1 (beta coronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV. It may contain at least one of coronavirus-2. MS2 bacteriophage viruses are much more difficult to inactivate or destroy than enveloped viruses such as SARS-coronavirus-2. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the MS2 bacteriophage is an Escherichia It can infect bacterial hosts such as coli (E. coli). Once inside a host cell, they can hijack the host cell and use the cell's resources to multiply into new phages. Once MS2 phage assembly is complete, the host cell is lysed. The DEE formulations disclosed herein are effective in destroying viruses on a variety of surfaces when the treated surface is exposed to RF radiation. An exemplary DEE formulation for killing viruses may include about 2.5 wt.-% percarbonate based stain remover (PSCR) in water. One exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). The PCSR preferably includes about 66 wt.-% sodium percarbonate (eg, 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ ) and about 34 wt.-% sodium carbonate. The surface treated with the exemplary DEE formulation may then be exposed to about 2.45 GHz RF radiation for about 10 seconds to about 45 seconds. Alternatively, a surface treated with the exemplary DEE formulation can be exposed to about 2.45 GHz RF radiation for about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds. Additional details are provided in the first embodiment of the disclosure. DEE formulations may also contain copper and iron salts in water. Additionally, exemplary DEE formulations for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with viruses can be bleach free. Exemplary DEE formulations for viral decontamination may be surfactant-free. For decontaminating porous surfaces, such as wood contaminated with viruses, exemplary DEE formulations may include a surfactant to ensure penetration of the DEE formulation into the pores. One exemplary surfactant may include the commercially available Tween 80 (Sigma Aldrich) surfactant, which includes Polysorbate 80, PEG (80) sorbitan monooleate. ) and polyethylene sorbitol ester, also known as polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate. Tween 80 is a virtually benign chemical used in detergents, soaps, cosmetics, mouthwash and ice cream. The surfactant may have a calculated molecular weight of 1310 daltons. Typically, the fatty acid composition is approximately 70 wt.-% oleic acid, with the remainder primarily linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. The oleic acid concentration is generally ≧58.0wt.-%. The above exemplary DEE formulations and treatment methods can be used to decontaminate surfaces contaminated by pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-coronavirus-2.

An exemplary mobile decontamination system 200 (FIGS. 2-5), which may be in the form of a mobile cart 201, is disclosed. The system comprises a container (not shown) to hold a predetermined amount of DEE agent and fluid components (e.g., pumps, valves, etc.) for delivering the DEE agent from the container to the manifold 204. The manifold may be in fluid communication with one or more spray nozzles (202). One exemplary DEE formulation includes about 2.5 wt.-% percarbonate-based stain remover (PSCR) in water. One exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). Another exemplary DEE formulation includes about 2.5 wt.-% PCR and about 1 wt.-% surfactant in water. The surfactant spreads the chemical onto the surface. One exemplary surfactant may include the commercially available Tween 80 (Sigma Aldrich) surfactant. The orientation of the nozzle 202 can be adjusted to ensure that the contaminated surface can be quickly and completely (or substantially completely) exposed to the spray of the DEE agent. Microwave radiation (e.g., at a frequency of about 2.35 GHz to about 2.65 GHz, preferably about 2.45 GHz) from a microwave generator (not shown) can be directed to the sprayed surface using a pyramidal horn antenna 203. there is. Additionally, DEE sprayed contaminated surfaces can be adjusted/modified to quickly undergo the irradiation. The DEE agent container and microwave generator can be housed within cart 201 and accessed using door 205. The cart may include a fan system 206 (FIG. 3) including one or more fans 207 to disperse the DEE formulation exiting one or more nozzles 202. Spray nozzle 202 may include a small-scale agricultural sprayer or nozzle. The flow or spray pattern from these nozzles is well characterized and a variety of nozzle types can be selected to produce the exact spray pattern desired to quickly cover or treat a contaminated surface or area with a DEE agent. Nozzle types include flat-fan nozzle, extended range flat-fan nozzle, even flat-fan nozzle, and twin orifice flat-fan nozzle ( These may include, but are not limited to, twin orifice-flat fan nozzles, flood nozzles, hollow-cone orifice nozzles, and full-cone orifice nozzles. Exemplary system 200 may include a nebulizer subsystem including nozzle 202, pump 208, fan system 206, manifold 204, and DEE formulation vessel 209 (FIG. 4) . One or more vessels 209 may be used in the exemplary system. Pump 208 may include at least one of a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a roller pump, and an irrigation-injection pump.

One or more fans 207 may be removably installed on the cart for decontamination of small spaces in an enclosed structure. Alternatively, fan system 206 may be tethered to the cart for decontamination of larger spaces or large areas. The tether is configured to provide two-way communication with a control system (system master controller). The air flow rate output from one or more fans 207 may be sized depending on the size of the space to be decontaminated. Preferably, the air flow rate of the one or more fans 207 may be from about 150 cubic feet per minute to about 250 cubic feet per minute and varied to optimize DEE agent dispersion and deposition on the contaminated surface. In addition to the one or more fans, fan system 206 may include power components for operating the fans and control components for communicating with a system master controller. Components such as power sources, magnetrons, controllers and microwave transmission elements, and controls for delivery and spraying of the DEE formulation are preferably housed within the cart 201. The master controller can control cart movement, spraying, fan system operation, and microwave treatment steps. Commercially available magnetrons may be used, such as resonant cavity magnetrons designed for household microwave ovens rated from 500 W to 2 kW. Exemplary system 200 may be used to substantially decontaminate surfaces in an enclosed area (e.g., a room). This system can also be scaled up to treat surfaces of large areas (eg, 1 km ² ). About 2500 kg of DEE (2000 kg of solid PCSR such as OxiClean and 500 kg of Tween 80 surfactant) formulation, with one exemplary DEE formulation comprising about 1 wt.-% surfactant and about 1 wt.-% PCSR in water. can be sufficient to decontaminate an area of 1 km ² , representing a tenfold reduction in the chemicals required when conventional chemicals such as Spor-Klenz are used without microwave irradiation. Spor-Klenz may contain a solution of approximately 6% hydrogen peroxide or a solution of hypochlorite (Steris Life Sciences) of approximately 0.525% is used. For one exemplary DEE formulation containing 0.06 M copper (II) chloride in water, 2500 kg of copper (II) chloride may be sufficient to substantially decontaminate a surface area of 1 ^km2 . there is. Exemplary DEE formulations disclosed herein are benign to both surfaces and humans. The DEE agent sprayer may be in the form of a fogger. Antenna 203 may be operated using an RF control system 210, a power converter 211, and one or more power supplies 212. The exemplary cart 200 may include an RF subsystem that includes an antenna 203 and one or more power supplies (microwave generators) 212 . Control system 210 may be used to adjust parameters including at least one of the frequency of RF radiation, frequency band of RF radiation, power density (W/cm ² or mW/cm ² ), and RF radiation exposure time. .

Cart 201 may be configured to be operated remotely by a human operator. The cart may be substantially autonomous. In other words, it can sense and move around the environment with minimal human input. Multiple sensors may be used to sense the surrounding environment and for navigation, including but not limited to radar, computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar, and gyroscopes. The robotic mobile subsystem may include a chassis that includes sensors, motors, and wheels of cart 201. Cart 201 and the nebulizer subsystem, RF subsystem, and mobile subsystem may be controlled using a graphical user interface 213 and control system 210 in two-way communication with each other. System 200 may be built on a robotic platform, such as a six-wheel drive (6WD) all-terrain robotic platform (SuperDroid Robots, Fuquay-Varina, NC). The motors and drive train of the robotic platform may be controlled using a robotic platform control system that may be configured to receive commands from and communicate with the control system 210 . The nebulizer subsystem and control system 210 uses at least one of an initial amount of DEE formulation, one or more spray rates from nozzles 202, and a spray time corresponding to the one or more spray rates to the container ( 209) can be configured to measure the amount of DEE remaining. While treating the surface, the spray rate may be constant or varied using a predetermined spray protocol. Upon reaching a predetermined DEE consumption, control system 210 may provide an alert to replace container 209 or refill container 209 via user interface 213. Power converter 211 may be used to provide power to the robotic mobile subsystem using, for example, 100 V, 400 Hz power available on military and commercial aircraft, or 28 VDC on military aircraft. DEE vessel 209, control system 210, microwave generator 213, and power converter 211 may be housed within cart 201 (FIGS. 4-5). In another example cart 201 comprising a plurality of DEE formulation containers 209, one or more different DEE formulations may be provided in one or more containers.

Microwave generators that produce microwave radiation at about 2.45 GHz are commercially available. For example, these generators are used in household microwave ovens. For aircraft decontamination, a primary concern in the selection of microwave frequency and power density is to ensure that aircraft electronics are not damaged during the decontamination process. For example, military avionics must be tested to meet MIL-STD-461G standards. Radars, communications systems, and jammers are all part of the airspace under combat operations. The ASR-9 aircraft surveillance radar used by the Federal Aviation Administration operates between about 2.7 GHz and about 2.9 GHz. Using a commercial microwave generator outputting microwave RF radiation at about 2.45 GHz, the required RF power density can be characterized as an upper limit between about 1 W/cm ² and about 2 W/cm ² . RF power density decreases as a function of 1/R ² (where R is the distance from the RF generator), so assuming a power density of 1 W/cm ² at 10 cm from a contaminated surface in an aircraft cabin, a power density of 10 m Far away this would be 0.1 mW/cm ² , which is much lower than the transmit power density near a cell phone.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary method 100 for microwave assisted surface decontamination using exemplary DEE agents disclosed herein. The surface type and properties of the decontamination agent may be determined at step 101. Approximate concentrations of contaminants may also be determined at step 101. Exemplary surfaces may include at least one of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. Exemplary contaminants (spores and/or vegetative cells) may include at least one of B. anthracis , B. thuringiensis , and P. roqueforti . Based on the information collected in step 101, an exemplary DEE formulation as disclosed herein may be selected for surface coating in step 102. In addition to the DEE agents previously disclosed, other DEE agents effective in removing various types of surface contamination may include PCSR in water, copper(II) chloride, and bleach in water. The DEE formulation may include about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-% PCSR, about 0.05M to about 0.1M copper(II) chloride, and at least about 100 ppm bleach, with the remainder being water. Other DEE formulations may include about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-% PCSR, about 0.06 M copper(II) chloride, and at least about 250 ppm bleach, with the remainder being water. The bleach content is preferably about 250 ppm to about 1000 ppm. The selected DEE agent may be applied to the contaminated surface in step 103 by spraying or other suitable means. The contaminated surface coated with the DEE agent may then be exposed to radio frequency (microwave) radiation in step 104. The method may include a retention time defined as the period between coating the surface with the DEE agent in step 104 and exposure of the coated surface to RF radiation. The irradiation frequency is preferably 2.45 GHz, which can be generated using a commercially available microwave generator. The coated surface may be exposed to radiation for at least 10 seconds. The exposure time may be between about 10 seconds and about 120 seconds. Alternatively, the exposure time may be between about 30 seconds and about 60 seconds. At least one of the sample of the treated surface and the one or more calibrated test sample strips may be analyzed at step 105 to determine the concentration of the contaminant. The one or more test sample strips may be placed adjacent to the surface being decontaminated. Examples of test sample strips include, but are not limited to, biological indicator spore strips available from Mesa Labs (Bozeman, MT). Once at least a 6-log reduction in the contaminants is realized, the surface can be determined to be decontaminated and the method 100 can be stopped. If step 105 indicates that additional processing is needed, at least one of steps 103 and 104 may be repeated in step 106. At step 106, the DEE formulation may be modified to enhance destruction of surface contaminants (e.g., an alternative DEE formulation may be used). The microwave irradiation exposure period may be increased to achieve at least a 6-log reduction of the biological contaminants.

Exemplary directed energy enhancers (“DEEs”) are capable of producing reactive oxidative species (including singlet oxygen, OH, OOH radicals, etc.) when exposed to radio frequency (microwave) irradiation. generates oxygen radicals), but is not limited thereto. These oxidizing species in turn destroy biological agents, including but not limited to Bacillus anthracis and molds (e.g., Penicillium roqueforti ) in spore or vegetative species form. . Spores are generally resistant to heat, drying, chemicals and irradiation. Bacteria can form endospores within about 6 to 8 hours after exposure to adverse conditions. Normally growing cells that form the endospores are called vegetative cells. Spores are metabolically inactive and dehydrated.

An exemplary DEE chemical composition may include at least one of copper(II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and a salt in water. The salt concentration may be about 0.5M to about 1.5M, preferably about 1M. 1M generally means 1 mole of solute in 1 liter of solution. The salt may include sodium chloride. Copper(II) chloride dihydrate can be used to generate copper(II) ions in solution. The concentration of copper(II) chloride may be about 0.05M to about 1M, preferably about 0.06M to 0.6M. The concentration of ascorbic acid may be about 1M. These chemicals are commonly available food additives, household chemicals, and approved pesticides and disinfectants. For example, the copper salt may be a common biocide/fungicide that can be used with certified organic foods. Ascorbic acid is the chemical component of vitamin C. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, these exemplary compositions are highly effective DEE chemical agents as they generate reactive oxidizing species when exposed to radio frequency (microwave) radiation.

In addition to copper(II) salts, other salts can be used to generate metal ions in solution. Exemplary metal salts include casserite (tin oxide), manganite (manganese oxide), transition metal oxides including iron, chromium and cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, zinc oxide, lanthanide oxide, p- Semiconductors such as doped and n-doped silicon, gallium arsenide, indium tin oxide, silicon carbide, refractory metal nitrides and oxides, or mixtures thereof.

Another exemplary DEE chemical composition may include about 0.6M copper(II) chloride and about 0.1M ascorbic acid in water. Another exemplary DEE chemical composition may include about 0.6M copper(II) chloride, about 0.1M ascorbic acid, and about 1 wt.-% surfactant, with the remainder being water. Another exemplary DEE chemical composition may include about 0.6 M copper(II) chloride, about 0.1 M ascorbic acid, about 1 wt.-% surfactant, and about 1 M salt in water.

Other exemplary DEE chemical compositions may include at least one of a surfactant and a percarbonate based stain remover (“PCSR”). One exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). The PCSR preferably includes about 66 wt.-% sodium percarbonate (e.g., 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ ) and about 34 wt.-% sodium carbonate. The surfactant concentration in exemplary DEE formulations may be about 1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, and is preferably about 1 wt.-%. The PCSR concentration in an exemplary DEE formulation may be from about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-%.

Another exemplary DEE formulation may include at least one of copper(II) chloride, a surfactant, PCSR, and sodium chloride in water. The sodium chloride concentration in the DEE formulation may be about 0.5M to about 1.5M, preferably about 1M. The concentration of copper(II) chloride may be about 0.05M to about 1M. The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The surfactant concentration may be about 1 wt.-%. The PCSR concentration may be about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-%. Another exemplary DEE composition may include about 0.06M copper(II) chloride in water, about 1 wt.-% surfactant, about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-% PCSR, and about 1 M salt. The salt may include sodium chloride.

Other exemplary DEE compositions may include one or more of a surfactant and a bleaching agent in water. One exemplary bleach is Concentrated Clorox Regular Bleach containing about 6 wt.-% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The bleach concentration may be about 1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%.

Another exemplary composition may include at least one of copper(II) chloride, a surfactant, a bleach, and sodium chloride in water. The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The bleach composition may be about 1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%. The sodium chloride composition may be about 0.5M to about 1M. The copper(II) chloride concentration may be about 0.05M to 1M. Another exemplary composition may include about 0.06 M copper(II) chloride, about 1 M sodium chloride, about 1 wt.-% surfactant, and about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-% bleach in water.

Another exemplary composition may include at least one of copper(II) chloride, ascorbic acid, and a surfactant in water. The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The ascorbic acid concentration may be about 0.01M to about 1M. The copper(II) chloride concentration may be about 0.05M to 1M. Another exemplary DEE composition may include about 0.06M copper(II) chloride in water. Another exemplary DEE composition may include about 0.06M copper(II) chloride, about 1M sodium chloride, and about 0.1M ascorbic acid.

Another exemplary composition may include at least one of copper(II) chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and a surfactant in water. The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The hydrogen peroxide concentration may be about 0.01M to about 1M. The copper(II) chloride concentration may be about 0.05M to 1M. Another exemplary composition may include about 0.06 M copper(II) chloride, about 1 M sodium chloride, about 1 wt.-% surfactant, and about 0.1 M hydrogen peroxide.

Another exemplary DEE composition may include at least one of a surfactant and PCSR in water. The surfactant concentration may be about 0.5 wt.-% to about 1 wt.-%. The PCSR concentration may be about 1 wt.-% to about 10 wt.-%. Another exemplary composition may include about 1 wt.-% surfactant and about 10 wt.-% PCSR in water. Another exemplary composition may include about 1 wt.-% surfactant and about 1 wt.-% PCSR in water.

Microwave radiation may have a frequency from less than about 300 MHz to greater than about 300 GHz, such as from about 300 MHz to about 300 GHz, from about 1 GHz to about 125 GHz, or from about 2.4 GHz to about 95 GHz. The frequency may be substantially a single frequency, for example about 2.4 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 50 GHz, or about 95 GHz. Alternatively, the frequency may vary over a range during the exposure period, such as from about 1 GHz to about 125 GHz, or from about 2.4 GHz to about 95 GHz. In some embodiments, about 2.45 GHz is used to treat extended surfaces such as the ground or building surfaces. In another embodiment, about 95 GHz is used to process surfaces with delicate and/or complex shapes.

Raytheon Company has developed a series of full-scale field deployable 95 GHz systems in support of the Active Denial System (the U.S. Department of Defense non-lethal weapons program). These systems can be used to decontaminate surfaces using the exemplary methods disclosed herein. The 95GHz system features outputs of 100W (watt), 400W, and 100000W power. The 100W system is a continuous wave system with fixed focus and fixed power output. Power density can be adjusted by changing the distance from the target to the antenna. The 400W system is a variable focus, variable power, pulse output system, and the average power can be changed by changing the duty cycle. The 100kW system is a large vehicle-mounted system with significant range (>500m) and variable power output.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, irradiation of the above exemplary DEE formulations sprayed on contaminated surfaces will likely produce highly reactive singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals (OH, OOH radicals) by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide released from PCSR in solution. (including but not limited to) may generate at least one of the following and destroy biological contaminants. Copper(II) chloride is a chloride- ^accelerated copper Fenton type process in which copper can transition from Cu ²⁺ to various oxidation states (redox mechanism) during the decomposition of the peroxide and is continuously regenerated. It can act as a catalyst for peroxide decomposition following the Fenton type process. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using transition metal elements is commonly known as Fenton chemistry. Cu ²⁺ can be oxidized to Cu ³⁺ and reduced ^back to Cu ²⁺ during peroxide ^{decomposition} upon microwave ^irradiation . Alternatively ^, Cu ²⁺ can be reduced to Cu ⁺ and reoxidized to Cu ²⁺ according to the Cu-Fenton ^process . Microwave irradiation is believed to accelerate the underlying redox chemistry.

The exemplary decontamination systems and methods can be used to mitigate insect infestation in the hospitality market in an environmentally friendly manner. Of particular interest are bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) is infestation remediation. Additionally, the exemplary decontamination systems and methods may be used for hospital room decontamination, Department of Defense equipment decontamination, commercial aircraft decontamination, and first responder/hazardous material equipment decontamination, including when the contaminant is a virus, such as the COVID-19 coronavirus. Can be used for removal.

Contaminated surfaces include, but are not limited to, concrete, wood, dirt, galvanized metal, glass, plastic, and painted wallboard. These surfaces can be treated using the methods disclosed herein to achieve at least a 6-log reduction in biological contaminants, such as the anthrax mimic B. thuringiensis (Bacillus thuringiensis). The decontamination method can be used over a wide range of ambient temperatures and humidity, especially low temperature/low humidity (about 0°C to about 25°C and relative humidity about 5% to about 40% RH), ambient temperature/medium humidity (about 20°C to about 30°C and about 40% to 50% RH) and high temperature/high humidity conditions (about 30°C to about 50°C and relative humidity about 50% to about 95% RH).

Example

Example One : exemplary DEE Destruction of MS2 bacteriophage viruses using agents and exposure to approximately 2.45 GHz RF (microwave) irradiation.

Plaque assay for enumeration of the activity of MS2 bacteriophage virus (ZeptoMetric Corp., catalog number 0810066) was performed using E. coli host cell strain C3000 (ATCC 15597). Briefly, MS2 bacteriophages were pipetted onto glass disk coupons containing E. coli grown on agar media to mimic common surfaces of buildings, public spaces, etc. and dried. The glass disk was treated with an exemplary DEE formulation comprising about 2.5 wt.-% percarbonate-based stain remover (PSCR) in water. One exemplary PCSR is commercially available OxiClean (Church & Dwight Co., Inc.). The PCSR preferably includes about 66 wt.-% sodium percarbonate (eg, 2Na ₂ CO ₃ :3H ₂ O ₂ ) and about 34 wt.-% sodium carbonate. The glass disk was then exposed to about 2.45 GHz RF microwave radiation for about 15 to about 30 seconds. A >6-log reduction in MS2 was observed with this treatment, indicating that the MS2 virus was inactivated with high levels of efficacy at both 15 and 30 second treatment periods. Control tests were performed using glass disks with MS2 treated with water. No decrease in the number of MS2 viruses was observed even when exposed to approximately 2.45 GHz RF radiation. Similarly, treatment of glass disks with MS2 with an exemplary DEE formulation containing about 2.5 wt.-% PSCR did not show a significant reduction in virus counts when the disks were not exposed to about 2.45 GHz RF radiation.

The summary is 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) allows the reader to quickly determine the substance and substance of the technical disclosure from a cursory review. It should not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the patent claims.

Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of preferred forms of carrying it out, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in any way by the above description.

Additionally, it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the essence of the disclosure. These changes are also implicitly included in the detailed description of the present invention. These are still within the scope of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield patents covering various aspects of the disclosure, both independently and as a complete system, and in both method and device types.

Additionally, each of the various elements of the disclosure and claims can also be accomplished in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes variations of any device implementation, method implementation, or process implementation, or even variations of just any element of these.

In particular, it should be understood that the words for each element may be expressed in equivalent device terms or method terms even if only the function or result is the same. These equivalent, broader, or even more general terms should be considered included in the description of each element or action. These terms may be substituted if desired to specify the implicitly broad scope to which rights in this disclosure are granted. It should be understood that every action can be expressed as a means to achieve that action or as an element that causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to include initiation of the action that the physical element facilitates.

Additionally, with respect to each term used, unless its use in the present application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the general dictionary definition shall be as contained in at least one of the latest technical dictionaries recognized by craftsmen. , each term and all definitions, alternative terms and synonyms thereof, are to be construed as incorporated herein, and Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (current edition) is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used here to maintain “open” claims according to traditional claim interpretation. Therefore, unless the context otherwise requires, variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" mean including the specified element or step, or group of elements or steps, but not other elements or steps. It should be understood that it is not intended to exclude any step, or group of elements or steps. These terms are to be construed in their broadest form so as to provide Applicant with the broadest scope permitted by law.

References

1. Lai W. et al. “Decontamination of biological warfare agents by a microwave plasma torch,” Physics of Plasmas 12, 023501 (2005).

2. N. van Doremalen et al. Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to SARS-CoV-1. N. Engl. J. Med. 2020; 382:1564-1567.

Claims (28)

A mobile decontamination system for treating a contaminated surface disposed externally, comprising:
one or more tanks on-board for storing therein a chemical agent that generates oxygen-containing radicals when exposed to microwave irradiation;
a sprayer subsystem including one or more nozzles removably connected to a fluid manifold and in fluid communication with the one or more tanks for spraying the chemical agent at a predetermined spray rate and coating the contaminated surface to form a coating surface;
A radio frequency (RF) subsystem comprising a microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation of a predetermined frequency and one or more pyramid-shaped horn antennas to direct the microwave radiation to the coating surface;
a mobile subsystem including one or more of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, gyroscopes, a mobile subsystem control system, and a motorized wheeled chassis;
power supply; and
arranged to be in two-way communication with the nebulizer subsystem, RF subsystem, mobile subsystem and power supply, wherein the chemical agent is first sprayed to coat the contaminated surface and then waited for a predetermined hold time; A control system configured to direct the microwave irradiation to the coating surface.
Mobile decontamination system including: According to paragraph 1,
The nozzles include a flat-fan nozzle, an extended range flat-fan nozzle, an even flat-fan nozzle, and a twin orifice flat-fan nozzle. A mobile decontamination system comprising one or more of an orifice-flat fan nozzle, a flood nozzle, a hollow-cone orifice nozzle, and a full-cone orifice nozzle. According to paragraph 1,
The microwave irradiation is a mobile decontamination system characterized by a frequency of 2.35 ± 10% GHz to 2.65 ± 10% GHz. According to paragraph 1,
The microwave irradiation is a mobile decontamination system characterized by a frequency of 2.45 ± 10% GHz. According to paragraph 1,
The mobile decontamination system is configured to be remotely controlled by a human operator. According to paragraph 1,
The mobile decontamination system is configured to operate autonomously. According to paragraph 1,
The microwave generator is a mobile decontamination system that generates microwave irradiation at a power density of 1±10% W/cm ² to 2±10% W/cm ² . According to paragraph 1,
A mobile decontamination system wherein the chemical agent comprises 2.5 ± 10% wt.-% percarbonate-based stain remover in water. According to paragraph 1,
The control system is configured to control movement of the mobile subsystem using input from one or more of computer vision, GPS, ultrasonic proximity sensors, optical sensors, sonar sensors, and gyroscopes. According to paragraph 1,
The control system is
supplying power to the microwave generator;
delivering a predetermined dose of the chemical agent from the one or more tanks to the one or more nozzles;
focusing the one or more nozzles to ensure coating of the contaminated surface;
transmission of microwave radiation from the microwave generator through the one or more horn antennas; and
Focusing the microwave radiation onto the coating surface
A mobile decontamination system configured to control one or more of the following: According to clause 10,
The control system uses one or more of the following: an initial amount of the chemical agent in the tank, a spray rate from the one or more nozzles, and a spray time corresponding to the spray rate to determine the amount of the chemical agent remaining in the one or more tanks. A mobile decontamination system further configured to measure. According to paragraph 1,
A mobile decontamination system further comprising a data acquisition component and a data transmission component for transmitting data to a remote server. According to clause 12,
The data includes the composition of the chemical agent, the amount of the chemical agent used to treat the contaminated surface, the amount of the chemical agent remaining in the one or more tanks, the frequency of the microwave radiation used, the power density of the microwave radiation, the microwave radiation A mobile decontamination system comprising one or more of the following: irradiation processing time, and type of contaminant. According to paragraph 1,
The power supply may be in electrical communication with one or more of a battery pack housed in the mobile decontamination system, a power supply available on board the aircraft, and a power supply available for ground support when the aircraft is parked at the airport. A portable decontamination system that can In a microwave-assisted surface decontamination method for treating a surface contaminated with contaminants,
A coated surface is formed by coating the contaminated surface by spraying on the contaminated surface a chemical agent that generates oxygen-containing radicals when exposed to microwave irradiation, wherein the chemical agent is 2.5 ± 10% wt.-% percarbonate in water. comprising a stain remover based on a stain remover;
waiting for a predetermined hold time; and
exposing the coated surface to microwave irradiation for a predetermined exposure time to decontaminate the coated surface, thereby producing a treated surface, wherein the treated surface is characterized by a contaminant reduction of at least a 6-log reduction. cast
A microwave-assisted surface decontamination method comprising: According to clause 15,
Microwave-assisted surface decontamination method, wherein the chemical formulation further comprises 1±10% wt.-% of a surfactant. According to clause 15,
A method of microwave-assisted surface decontamination, wherein the contaminated surface includes one or more of metal, concrete, plastic, and wood. According to clause 15,
A method of microwave-assisted surface decontamination, wherein the contaminated surface includes one or more of surfaces within hospital rooms, aircraft, and office buildings. According to clause 15,
The surface contaminants include 229E (alpha coronavirus), NL63 (alpha coronavirus), OC43 (beta coronavirus), HKU1 (beta coronavirus), MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and A microwave-assisted surface decontamination method containing one or more of the following: SARS-Coronavirus-2. According to clause 15,
The microwave-assisted surface decontamination removal method is characterized in that the microwave irradiation has a frequency of 2.35 ± 10% GHz to 2.65 ± 10% GHz. According to clause 15,
The microwave irradiation is a microwave-assisted surface decontamination method characterized by a frequency of 2.45 ± 10% GHz. According to clause 15,
Microwave-assisted surface decontamination method, wherein the microwave irradiation has a heat output of 500 ± 10% W to 2000 ± 10% W. According to clause 15,
A microwave-assisted surface decontamination method wherein the predetermined exposure time for microwave irradiation exposure is from 10 ± 10% seconds to 45 ± 10% seconds. According to clause 15,
A method of microwave assisted surface decontamination wherein the predetermined exposure time for microwave irradiation exposure is between 15±10% seconds and 30±10% seconds. According to clause 15,
A microwave-assisted surface decontamination method wherein the predetermined retention time is 15±10% seconds to 45±10% seconds. According to clause 15,
Microwave-assisted surface decontamination method, wherein the chemical agent further comprises 1±10% wt.-% of a surfactant in water. delete delete