NZ764884B2 - Method and system for decontaminating small enclosures - Google Patents

Abstract

method for decontaminating a small enclosure, comprises the steps of entering input parameters of an enclosed space into a processing unit, where the processing unit is programmed to determine fluid properties of a cleaning fluid comprising hydrogen peroxide in a decontamination device based on the input parameters, activating a decontamination cycle of the decontamination device, where the decontamination cycle comprises the steps of providing a reservoir of the cleaning fluid, setting the determined fluid properties of the cleaning fluid and generating a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide of the cleaning fluid. The very dry mist comprises particles of diameter size in the range of 0.5-0.9 microns. The mist is applied to decontaminate the enclosed space. The setting of the determined fluid properties to the cleaning fluid is performed by controlling an air valve. The very dry mist avoids dampening of the decontaminated enclosure.

Description

A method for decontaminating a small enclosure, comprises the steps of entering input parameters of an enclosed space into a processing unit, where the processing unit is programmed to determine fluid ties of a cleaning fluid comprising hydrogen peroxide in a decontamination device based on the input parameters, activating a decontamination cycle of the decontamination device, where the decontamination cycle comprises the steps of providing a reservoir of the ng fluid, setting the ined fluid properties of the cleaning fluid and generating a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide of the cleaning fluid. The very dry mist comprises particles of diameter size in the range of 0.5-0.9 microns. The mist is applied to aminate the enclosed space. The setting of the determined fluid properties to the cleaning fluid is performed by controlling an air valve. The very dry mist avoids dampening of the decontaminated enclosure.

NZ 764884 TITLE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DECONTAMINATING SMALL ENCLOSURES This application claims priority to US. Application Serial Number 15/858,446, ?led on December 29, 2017. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD The present application s generally to an apparatus and method for aminating articles, enclosed spaces, and unenclosed spaces and, more particularly, to iological decontamination of such locations.

BACKGROUND Microbiological species are widely distributed in our environment. Most microbiological species are of little concern, e they do not damage other living organisms.

However, other microbiological species may infect man or animals and cause them harm. The removing or rendering ineffective of injurious microbiological organisms has long been of interest. Drugs and medical devices are sterilized and packaged in sterile containers. Medical environments such as operating rooms, wards, and examination rooms are aminated by various cleaning procedures so that injurious iological organisms cannot spread from one patient to another.

Many available technologies for controlling microbiological organisms are of limited value in the public health circumstances of biological warfare and rorism.

However, current technologies sing these instances are limited in their effectiveness in tightly enclosed nments.

One of the challenges of controlling microbiological organisms relates to decontaminating small enclosures. In such environments, it is not uncommon for a mist of decontaminants to travel on compressed air as far as several feet under normal gs. In a small enclosure, excessive reach of the sprayed mist results in several undesired outcomes. One such ck is saturating surfaces in the vicinity of the mist applicators, or surfaces te to the applicators, for example. Moreover, improper mist tion may result in wetter, denser fog, thereby affecting visibility and breathability in a small enclosure. Accordingly, the released mist undesirably increases moisture accumulation and condensation, the redressing of which requires increased aeration times.

A new approach is needed that is more readily usable in small enclosures with ed kill, and simpler maintenance of machinery. The present application fulfills this need, and further provides related advantages.

An aspect of the application is directed to a method for decontaminating a small enclosure, comprising the steps of: entering input parameters of the small enclosure into a processing unit, n the processing unit is programmed to determine ?uid properties of a cleaning ?uid in a decontamination device based on the input parameters of the small enclosure, activating a amination cycle of the decontamination device, wherein the decontamination cycle comprises the steps of: providing a reservoir of the cleaning ?uid, setting the determined ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid, generating a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide of the cleaning ?uid, wherein the generated very dry mist is applied to decontaminate the small enclosure.

In n embodiments, the decontamination device is operated manually. In particular embodiments, the decontamination device is hand-held.

In certain embodiments, the input ters of the small enclosure comprise: dimensions of the small ure, a position of the decontamination device ve to boundaries of the small ure, air temperature, pressure, and humidity of the small enclosure. In particular embodiments, the set ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid comprise air pressure and ?uid ?ow rate. In other embodiments, the setting of the determined ?uid properties to the cleaning ?uid is performed by lling an air valve. In certain embodiments, the air valve is controlled by programming the processing unit to control a potentiometer. In various ments, the determined ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid are adjusted by a size and a shape of a tube located at an exit of the cleaning ?uid out of the decontamination device.

In particular embodiments, the ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid are set by lowering the air pressure and the ?uid ?ow rate tively below a predetermined standard air pressure and a predetermined standard ?uid ?ow rate.

In other embodiments, input parameters of a target area are entered into a processing unit, n the processing unit is r programmed to determine the ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid in the decontamination device based on the input parameters of the target area. The input parameters of the small enclosure may be manually input. The input parameters of the small enclosure are measured by a plurality of sensors that are in networked communication with the processing unit.

In particular embodiments, the processing unit and the decontamination device are in wireless ication.

Another aspect of the application is a system for decontaminating a small ure, comprising a decontamination device and a computer processor, wherein the computer processor is in networked communication with the decontamination device, n input parameters of the small enclosure are entered into the computer processor, wherein the er processor is programmed to determine ?uid properties of a cleaning ?uid in the decontamination device based on the input ters of the small enclosure, wherein the computer processor is further programmed to activate a decontamination cycle of the decontamination device, the decontamination cycle comprising the steps of: providing a reservoir of the cleaning ?uid, setting the determined ?uid properties of the cleaning ?uid, generating a very dry mist of the cleaning ?uid, wherein the generated very dry mist is applied to decontaminate the small enclosure.

These and other aspects and embodiments of the t application will become better tood with nce to the following detailed ption when ered in association with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS is a block ?ow diagram of a general approach for denaturing a biochemical agent using an ted ng ?uid mist. is a schematic view of a first embodiment of apparatus for ring biological agents, with the tor proximally located to the mist generator. is a schematic view of a second embodiment of apparatus for denaturing biological agents, with the activator d remotely from the mist generator. is a schematic view of a third embodiment of apparatus for denaturing biological agents, with both proximate and remote activators. illustrates a streaming amination apparatus. illustrates a chamber-based decontamination apparatus. illustrates a decontamination apparatus for decontaminating a room. illustrates a decontamination apparatus for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning duct system. illustrates a decontamination apparatus for air breathed by a person.

A represents a ration of device elements wherein a cleaning ?uid source 40 and a mist generator 42 are linked via an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees. B represents a configuration of device elements wherein a cleaning ?uid source 40 is interfaced with a mist generator 42 that, in turn, is linked to a mist delivery unit 72 via an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees. C represents a configuration of device elements wherein a mist generator 42 is mounted on an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees. D represents another configuration of device elements wherein a mist generator 42 feeds into a mist delivery unit 72 that is mounted on an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees.

A depicts an embodiment wherein at least a mist generator 42 and a voltage source 52 are contained within a portable g. The mist generator is functionally connected to a mist delivery unit 72 which may be mounted on the housing or is a remote unit.

B depicts a mist generator 42 and a voltage source 52 contained within a le ner, wherein the entire unit can be hand held, d on another apparatus, or held by/mounted on another machine or a robot. C depicts an exemplary embodiment wherein a mist generator 42and a voltage source 52 are contained within a wearable container, such as a back pack.

A illustrates the decontamination device comprises an ultrasonic wafer 78 or ultrasonic nebulizer as a mist generator. B ms a system wherein a mobile/wireless/remote control device 84 is functionally connected to a decontamination device of the present disclosure, such as a nebulizer 82. C diagrams an embodiment of the system, wherein the system comprises multiple decontamination devices, such as nebulizers, that are lled by a control device 84 and further communicate between the nebulizers 82 by wired or wireless means. Information from individual nebulizers 82 can be fed back to the control device 84 either en masse or individually. For example, the dosages emitted by two different nebulizers 82 may start or complete at different times and the data can be reported independently.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrates a similar system having a single (A) or le (B) mist generator(s) 42 being controlled by a l device 84, which further provides data 94 to an al source regarding the treatment of an area or surface. rates a system wherein a mist generator 42, cleaning ?uid source 40 and mist delivery unit 72 are further interfaced with a sensor 98. diagrams an exemplary rectif1er for forming free radicals, comprising a voltage source 52, at least one diode/capacitor 102 interfaced with a plasma actuator 76. depicts an embodiment of a mist generator 142 operable ly as a hand-held device and programmable for automated operation. depicts an ment of a display of a programming clock 143 regulating ?uid properties of a ?uid applied by a mist tor device.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the rated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the ?gures and appended .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will be made in detail to certain aspects and exemplary embodiments of the application, illustrating examples in the accompanying structures and ?gures. The aspects of the application are described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, including methods, materials and examples, such ption is non-limiting and the scope of the application is ed to ass all equivalents, alternatives, and modi?cations, either lly known, or orated here. With respect to the teachings in the t application, any issued patent, pending patent application or patent application publication described in this application is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Unless de?ned otherwise, all technical and scienti?c terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed method and compositions belong. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," ","an and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a peptide" includes "one or more" peptides or a "plurality" of such peptides.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one ular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be tood that the particular value forms r embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are signi?cant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in addition to the value .

For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that "less than or equal to "the value," greater than or equal to the value" and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed the "less than or equal to 10" as well as "greater than or equal to 10" is also disclosed.

As used herein, the term "ultrasonic cavitation" means the use of ultrasonic sound to cavitate a ?uid, such as a cleaning ?uid. Ultrasonic cavitation can be applied to a ?uid by a range of methods and devices known to one of skill in the art, including a high pressure ultrasonic zer, an onic nozzle, or an onic wafer. As used herein, the term "ultrasonic" means frequencies of sound above the audible range, including anything over 20kHz.

As used herein, the term "ultrasonic cavitator" means a device used to perform ultrasonic cavitation on a cleaning ?uid. Examples of an ultrasonic cavitator include a high re ultrasonic nebulizer, an ultrasonic nozzle, or an ultrasonic wafer. For example, a high pressure onic nebulizer atomizes liquid particles at a pressure of 50 to 400 bar to produce aerosol droplets. An ultrasonic nozzle is a spray nozzle that uses high frequency ion produced by piezoelectric transducers to cavitate a liquid. A preferred embodiment uses an ultrasonic wafer. In one embodiment the ultrasonic wafer is a ceramic diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets. In another embodiment, the onic wafer is a small metal plate that es at high frequency to cavitate a liquid. One of ordinary skill will understand that the choice of ultrasonic cavitator is not limiting on the scope of this application.

As used , the term "decontaminating" means acting to neutralize or remove pathogens from an area or e. As used herein, the term "pathogen" includes, but is not limited to, a bacterium, yeast, protozoan, virus, or other pathogenic microorganisms. The term "pathogen" also encompasses targeted bioterror agents.

As used herein, the term "bacteria" shall mean members of a large group of unicellular rganisms that have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus.

Synonyms for bacteria may include the terms organisms", "microbes", "germs", "bacilli", and "prokaryotes." Exemplary bacteria include, but are not limited to Mycobacterium species, including M. tuberculosis, Staphylococcus species, ing S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and illin-resistant S. aureus, ococcus species, ing S. pneumoniae, S. es, S. mutans, S. agalactiae, S. equi, S. canis, S. bovis, S. s, S. anginosus, S. sanguis, S. salivarius, S. mitis, other enic Streptococcal species, including Enterococcus species, such as E. faecalis and E. faecium, Haemophilus in?uenzae, Pseudomonas species, including P. aeruginosa, P. pseudomallei, and P. mallei, Salmonella species, including S. enterocolitis, S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. bongori, and S. choleraesuis, Shigella species, including S. ?exneri, S. sonnei, S. dysenteriae, and S. boydii, Brucella species, including B. melitensis, B. suis, B. abortus, and B. pertussis, Neisseria species, including N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, ing enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Vibrio cholerae, Helicobacter pylori, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Chlamydia matis, Clostridium difficile, Cryptococcus neoformans, Moraxella s, including M. catarrhalis, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni, bacterium species, including C. diphtheriae, C. ulcerans, C. pseudotuberculosis, C. pseudodiphtheriticum, C. urealyticum, C. hemolyticum, C. equi, Listeria monocytogenes, Nocardia asteroides, Bacteroides species, Actinomycetes species, Treponema pallidum, Leptospirosa species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus sp., including Proteus vulgaris, Serratia s, Acinetobacter, Yersinia species, including Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis, Francisella tularensis, Enterobacter species, Bacteriodes species, Legionella species, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the like. As used , the term "targeted bioterror agents" includes, but is not d to, anthrax (Bacillus antracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), and tularemia (Franciscella tularensis).

As used herein, the term "virus" can include, but is not limited to, in?uenza viruses, herpesviruses, polioviruses, noroviruses, and retroviruses. Examples of viruses include, but are not d to, human immunode?ciency virus type 1 and type 2 (HIV-1 and , human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I and type II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II), hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis delta virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), parvovirus B19 virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus, hepatitis E virus, transfusion transmitted virus (TTV), Epstein-Barr virus, human galovirus type 1 (HCMV-l), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), human herpesvirus type 7 (HHV-7), human virus type 8 (HHV-8), za type A viruses, including subtypes H1N1 and H5Nl, human metapneumovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, hantavirus, and RNA viruses from Arenaviridae (e. g. , Lassa fever virus (LFV)), Pneumoviridae (e.g., human metapneumovirus), Filoviridae (eg, Ebola virus (EBOV), Marburg virus (MBGV) and Zika virus), Bunyaviridae (eg, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and irus), Flaviviridae (West Nile virus (WNV), Dengue fever virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), GB virus C (GBV-C, formerly known as hepatitis G virus (HGV)), Rotaviridae (eg, rotavirus), and combinations thereof. In one ment, the subject is infected with HIV-1 or HIV-2.

As used herein, the term "fungi" shall mean any member of the group of saprophytic and parasitic producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack phyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts. Exemplary fungi include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus s, Dermatophytes, Blastomyces derinatitidis, Candida species, including C. auris, C. ns and C.krusei, Malassezia furfur, ala wemeckii, Piedraia hortai, Trichosporon beigelii, Pseudallescheria boydii, Madurella grisea, Histoplasma capsulatum, Sporothrix schenckii, Histoplasma capsulatum, Tinea species, including T. versicolor, T. pedis T. unguium, T. cruris, T. capitus, T. corporis, T. barbae, Trichophyton species, including T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. tonsurans, T. violaceum, T. yaoundei, T. schoenleinii, T. megninii, T. soudanense, T. equinum, T. erinacei, and T. osum, Mycoplasma genitalia, Microsporum s, including M. audouini, M. ferrugineum, M. canis, M. nanum, M. tum, M. gypseum, M. , and the like.

As used herein, the term "protozoan" shall mean any member of a diverse group of eukaryotes that are primarily unicellular, existing singly or aggregating into colonies, are usually nonphotosynthetic, and are often classi?ed further into phyla according to their capacity for and means of motility, as by pseudopods, ?agella, or cilia. Exemplary protozoans include, but are not limited to Plasmodium species, including P. arum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae, Leishmania species, including L. major, L. tropica, L. donovani, L. infantum, L. i, L. mexicana, L. panamensis, L. braziliensis and L. guyanensi, Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Cyclospora species.

As used herein, the term "article" means any solid item or object that may be susceptible to ination with pathogens. As used , the term "substantially enclosed space" means a room, a tent, a building, or any man-made structure that is substantially enclosed and may be susceptible to contamination with pathogens. The term "substantially enclosed space" is not limited to man-made structures, even though embodiments illustrated herein may be preferably directed to decontamination of such structures As used herein, the term "sensor" can refer to any type of sensor suitable for detecting contamination on an tus, a surface, or in a substantially closed space. Examples of sensors include, but are not limited to, photosensors, voltaic sensors, weight sensors, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, or any type of biosensor.

As used herein, the term ing" refers to the process of using force to fragment liquid les into discrete groups that move and ?ow as zed ndent sub- groups of sheared particles until the groups of particles transition in ?uid phase into a mist. As used herein, the term "mist" means a cloud of aerosol droplets. As used herein, the term "aerosol" is a d of fine liquid droplets of about 1 to about 20 micrometers in diameter.

As used herein, the term ing ?uid" refers to the source of an active species used to aminate an article or substantially enclosed space. The preferred active species is yl ions, and the preferred source is hydrogen peroxide. The source may d be a more-complex species that produces hydroxyl ions upon reaction or decomposition. Examples of such more-complex species e peracetic acid (CH2COO--OH+H20), sodium percarbonate (2Na2C03+3H202), and gluteraldehyde (CH302). The cleaning ?uid may further include promoting s that aid the active s in accomplishing its attack upon the biological microorganisms. Examples of such promoting species include ethylenediaminetetraacetate, isopropyl alcohol, enzymes, fatty acids, and acids. The cleaning ?uid is of any operable type. The cleaning ?uid must contain an activatable species. A preferred cleaning ?uid comprises a source of hydroxyl ions (0H) for subsequent activation.

Such a source may be hydrogen peroxide (H202) or a precursor species that produces hydroxyl ions. Other sources of yl ions may be used as appropriate. Examples of other operable sources of hydroxyl ions include peracetic acid (CH2COO--OH+H20), sodium percarbonate (2Na2CO3+3H202), and aldehyde (CH302). Other activatable s and sources of such other activatable species may also be used. In some embodiments, ted ionic particles are generated by passing Water for Injection (WFI) through the arc, providing greater than 3-log10 killing of bacteria, bacterial spores, or virus les ve to untreated controls.

The cleaning ?uid may also contain promoting species that are not themselves s of table s such as hydroxyl ions, but instead modify the decontamination reactions in some bene?cial fashion. Examples include ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), which binds metal ions and allows the activated species to destroy the cell walls more readily, an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol, which improves wetting of the mist to the cells, enzymes, which speed up or ity the redox reaction in which the activated species attacks the cell walls, fatty acids, which act as an ancillary anti-microbial and may combine with free radicals to create residual anti-microbial activity, and acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, or oxalic acid, which speed up or intensity the redox reaction and may act as ancillary anti-microbial s to pH-sensitive organisms. Mixtures of the various activatable s and the various promoting species may be used as well. The cleaning ?uids are preferably aqueous solutions, but may be solutions in organics such as alcohol. The cleaning ?uid source may be a source of the cleaning ?uid itself, or a source of a cleaning ?uid precursor that chemically reacts or decomposes to produce the cleaning ?uid.

As used herein, the term "a rmal plasma actuator" means an actuator that activates the cleaning ?uid to an activated condition such as the ionized, plasma, or free radical states which, with the passage of time, returns to the tivated state (a process termed "recombination"). To accomplish the activation, the tor produces activating energy such as electric energy or photonic energy. The photonic energy may be produced by a laser.

Examples of activators include an AC electric field, an AC arc, a DC electric field, a DC arc, an electron beam, an ion beam, a microwave beam, a radio frequency beam, and an ultraviolet light beam. The activator may include a tuner that tunes the amplitude, frequency, wave form, or other characteristic of the activating energy to achieve a desired, usually a maximum, re- combination time of the activated cleaning ?uid mist. As used herein, the term "plasma activated ionic particles" means activated OH' ions.

As used herein, an "enclosed space" refers to any chamber, container or space that can be decontaminated with the system of the t disclosure. Examples of ed spaces include, but are not limited to, any chamber used in ay to highly controlled research proj paces, sanitation chambers (such as gynoprobe cabinets), BSC, glovebox, research hoods and clinical spaces.

A System for Decontaminating a Substantially ed Space of an Airborne Pathogen An aspect of the application is a system for decontaminating a substantially enclosed space, comprising: a sensor for airborne pathogens, n the sensor is in networked communication with a computer processor; a computer processor, wherein the er processor is in ked communication with the sensor and a decontamination apparatus; a decontamination apparatus, wherein the decontamination apparatus is in networked communication with the computer processor, and r wherein the decontamination apparatus comprises: a reservoir of cleaning ?uid, an onic cavitator, n the ultrasonic cavitator is submerged in the reservoir, a nonthermal plasma actuator, wherein the actuator activates a mist generated from the oir, a funnel, wherein the funnel ts the nonthermal plasma tor to the reservoir, an outer tube, n the outer tube connects the nonthermal actuator to the external atmosphere, and wherein a mist generated from the reservoir can pass through the funnel to the actuator, and further wherein after the mist is activated by the actuator the mist can pass through the outer tube to the external atmosphere.

In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system includes a , a processor, and, ally, a secondary storage device. In some embodiments, the computer system includes a plurality of processors and is con?gured as a plurality of, e.g., bladed servers, or other known server configurations. In particular embodiments, the computer system also includes an input device, a display device, and an output device. In some embodiments, the memory includes RAM or similar types of memory. In particular embodiments, the memory stores one or more applications for execution by the processor. In some embodiments, the secondary storage device includes a hard disk drive, CD-ROM or DVD drive, or other types of non-volatile data storage. In particular embodiments, the processor executes the application(s) that are stored in the memory or the secondary storage, or received from the intemet or other network. In some embodiments, processing by the processor may be ented in software, such as software modules, for execution by computers or other machines. These applications preferably include instructions executable to perform the functions and methods described above and illustrated in the Figures herein. The applications ably provide GUIs through which users may view and interact with the application(s). In other embodiments, the system ses remote access to control and/or view the system.

In further embodiments, a decontamination system can ace with a building HVAC system for room isolation and aeration. The decontamination system uses automated equipment for decontamination of any closed area with downloadable disinfection/decontamination run data and real-time measurement of injection rates to ensure targeted injection . The decontamination system can encompass multiple rooms and ized speci?cations as required according to room size and usage. In another embodiment, the decontamination system is contained in a handheld device for use in a life science facility. The device is designed to be used by technicians using a trigger on the device to control its use according to the trigger position.

Method and Apparatus for Decontamination Using an Activated Cleaning Fluid Mist As disclosed in US. Patent No. 6,969,487, which is orated herein by reference, a method for performing decontamination ses the steps of producing an activated cleaning ?uid mist wherein at least a portion of the cleaning ?uid mist is in an activated state, and contacting the activated cleaning ?uid mist to a location to be decontaminated. depicts a preferred method for performing decontamination. An ted cleaning ?uid mist is produced, numeral 20. Any operable approach may be used, and a preferred approach is illustrated within step 20 of A source of a cleaning ?uid is provided, numeral 22. The cleaning ?uid is preferably a liquid that may be vaporized, by any means of force or energy, in ambient-pressure air to form a mist. The liquid ng ?uid may be stored at one atmosphere or slightly greater pressure, while a ng ?uid in a s state usually requires pressurized storage. The source of the cleaning ?uid may also be a precursor of the cleaning ?uid, such as a solid, liquid, or gas that , decomposes, or otherwise produces the cleaning ?uid.

A cleaning ?uid mist, containing the activatable species and the promoting species, if any, is generated, numeral 24. The mist generator to te the cleaning ?uid mist may be of any operable type. In the preferred case, the cleaning mist or vapor is fine droplets of the vaporized ng ?uid. In some embodiments, the droplets are preferably roughly uniformly sized, on the order of from about 1 to about 20 micrometers in diameter. In other embodiments, the droplets are preferably roughly uniformly sized, on the order of from about 1 to about 10 micrometers in diameter. In still other embodiments, the droplets are ably roughly uniformly sized, on the order of from about 1 to about 5 micrometers in diameter. In yet other ments, the droplets are preferably roughly mly sized, on the order of from about 2 to about 4 micrometers in diameter. Various types of mist generators have been used in prototype studies.

The cleaning ?uid mist is activated to produce an activated cleaning ?uid mist, l 26. The activation produces activated species of the ng ?uid material in the mist, such as the cleaning ?uid material in the ionized, plasma, or free radical states. At least a portion of the activatable species is activated, and in some cases some of the promoting species, if any, is activated. A high yield of activated species is desired to improve the efficiency of the decontamination process, but it is not necessary that all or even a ty of the table species achieve the activated state. Any operable activator may be used. The activator ?eld or beam may be ical or photonic. Examples include an AC ic ?eld, an AC arc, a DC electric ?eld, a DC arc, an electron beam, an ion beam, a microwave beam, a radio frequency beam, and an ultraviolet light beam produced by a laser or other source. The activator causes at least some of the activatable species of the cleaning ?uid in the cleaning ?uid mist to be excited to the ion, plasma, or free radical state, thereby achieving "activation." These activated species enter redox reactions with the cell walls of the microbiological organisms, thereby destroying the cells or at least preventing their multiplication and growth. In the case of the preferred hydrogen peroxide, at least some of the H202 molecules dissociate to produce hydroxyl (OH') and monatomic oxygen (0') ionic ted species. These activated species remain dissociated for a period of time, typically several seconds or longer, during which they attack and destroy the biological microorganisms. The activator is preferably tunable as to the frequency, waveform, amplitude, or other properties of the activation ?eld or beam, so that it may be optimized for achieving a maximum recombination time for action against the biological microorganisms. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, the dissociated activated species recombine to form diatomic oxygen and water, harmless molecules.

The physical relationship of the mist generator and the activator may be of several types, illustrated schematically for three types of decontamination apparatus 38 in FIGS. 2-4. A source of the ng ?uid 40 provides a ?ow of the cleaning ?uid to a mist generator 42 in each case. The mist generator forms a cleaning ?uid mist 44 of the cleaning ?uid. The cleaning ?uid mist 44 includes the table species and the promoting species, if any. In the embodiment of an activator 46, schematically illustrated as a pair of electrical rge plates between which the cleaning ?uid mist 44 passes, is located proximate to, and preferably immediately nt to, the mist tor 42. The mist generator 42 and the activator 46 are typically packaged together for convenience in a single housing in this case. The cleaning ?uid mist 44 leaving the mist generator 42 is immediately activated by the activator 46 to e an activated cleaning ?uid mist 48. In the ment of the activator 46, here schematically illustrated as a set of microwave s, is located remotely from the mist generator 42. The cleaning ?uid mist 44 ?ows from mist generator 42 and remains as a non- activated cleaning ?uid mist for a period of time, prior to g into a region where it is in the in?uence of and activated by the activator 46. These two embodiments may be combined as shown in where the cleaning ?uid mist 44 is initially activated to form the activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 by an activator 46a that is proximate to the mist generator 42, and then kept in the activated state or re-activated as ary by an activator 46b that is remote from the mist generator 42. In this case, the activator 46b is illustrated to be an ultraviolet light source.

The apparatus of has the advantage that the cleaning ?uid is initially activated and then maintained in an activated state for an extended period of time to achieve a prolonged effective state. These various types of apparatus 38 are used in differing situations according to the physical constraints of each situation, and some rative situations are discussed subsequently. Particle and/or gas filters may be provided where appropriate to remove particulate matter that is the r for microbiological organisms, and also to remove the residual cleaning mist and its reaction products.

The activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 is contacted to locations that are to be decontaminated, numeral 28. The types of locations and the manner of contacting lead to a number of ic embodiments of the previously described general approaches, as described next. illustrates a ing form of decontamination apparatus 38. This type of apparatus normally uses the general configuration shown in where the activator 46 is located proximally to the mist generator 42. It does not require an enclosure, although it may be used within an enclosure. In and other figures illustrating specific embodiments of the apparatus, the common elements of structure will be given the same reference numerals as used ere, and the other description is incorporated into the description of each embodiment.

Cleaning ?uid from the cleaning ?uid source 40 is supplied to the mist tor 42, and the cleaning ?uid mist 44 ?ows from the mist generator 42. The cleaning ?uid mist 44 ?ows through an interior of a tube 50 that channels and directs the ?ow of the ng ?uid mist 44.

The tor 46 powered by a voltage source 52 activates the cleaning ?uid mist 44 as it ?ows through the interior of the tube 50, so that the activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 ?ows from the tube 50 as a stream. The stream is directed into a volume or against an object that is to be decontaminated.

In one ment, the voltage source 52 is connected to an able voltage divider, such as a potentiometer, for example. The potentiometer may e a housing that contains a ive element and a contact that slides along the resistive element, two electrical terminals at the two ends of the resistive element, and a mechanism that moves the g contact from one end to the other. The potentiometer used may be a circular slider potentiometer, a liner slider potentiometer, or any other suitable slider ement may be used.

The potentiometer may include a resistive element made of graphite, plastic containing carbon particles, resistance wire, or a mixture of ceramic and metal, for example.

The included potentiometer may allow a user to control the ?uid ?ow rate of the cleaning ?uid mist 44 ?owing through the tube 50. As a , the reduced air pressure may reduce the size of the ed mist/fog le. This potentiometer may be lled by a control unit in order to regulate input for the electric circuit of the voltage source 52.

This basic con?guration of may be scaled over a wide range of sizes. In one example, the cleaning ?uid source 40 is a hand-held pressure can of the type commonly used to dispense ?uids or gases. In another example, the cleaning ?uid source 40 operates on two platforms, for example. One platform may be a handheld, point-and-spray surface decontamination device, and the other platform may be a programmable, automated nment decontamination device designed for small enclosures. The handheld, point-and- spray feature allows for manual control of the decontamination action. The programmable automation allows input of the surrounding parameters in order to predictably and consistently e in an optimal arrangement with the geometry of the decontaminate ure.

The voltage source 52 is a battery and a circuit to supply a high voltage to the activation source 46 for a sufficient period to activate the amount of cleaning ?uid that is stored within the pressure can. The tube 50 is the nozzle of the pressure can. In another example, the tube 50 is a hand-held wand operating from a larger-volume cleaning ?uid source 40 and with a plug-in or battery electrical voltage source 52. The cleaning ?uid source 40 may be pressurized to drive the ?ow of the cleaning ?uid through the tube 50, or there may be provided an optional pump 54 that forces the cleaning ?uid through the mist generator 42 and out of the tube 50 with great force.

In a programmable device, the control unit may be programmed to send instruction to adjust the potentiometer and control the pump 54 based on the d ?uid parameters. For example, in particularly small enclosures, a drier mist may be generated, in order for the mist to travel a shorter distance. This may be accomplished by reducing the standard air pressure, or the rd ?uid ?ow rate of the decontamination device. The standard air pressure entered into the programmable control unit may be in the range n -50 psi, and the input standard air pressure range may be modified as deemed suitable. In addition, the standard ?uid ?ow rate entered into the programmable control unit may be in the range between 25-50 ute, and the input standard ?uid ?ow rate range may be modified as considered appropriate.

In comparison with the programmable device, a handheld surface decontamination device may be manually operated by pressing the trigger on a handheld applicator to produce the decontamination ?uid, such as d en peroxide mist. In one example, ?uid or air settings are not programably modified, but are, instead, manually controlled by the user based on the actual confines of the enclosure.

Other forms of the apparatus 38 are ily used in conjunction with an enclosure, either to enclose the decontamination processing or an object or ?ow, or to achieve decontamination of the interior of the enclosure. illustrates the tus 38 including an enclosure 56 that serves as a r in which an object 58 is decontaminated. The object 58 may be stationary, or it may move through the enclosure 56 on a er. This ment also illustrates the form of the present apparatus n the activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 is added to and mixed with another gas ?ow 60. The activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 mixes with the gas ?ow 60, and the mixed gas ?ow contacts the object 58. This embodiment may be implemented either as a continuous-?ow system, as illustrated, or as a batch system n the enclosure 56 is ?lled with the activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 or with the mixture of the activated cleaning ?uid mist 48 and the gas 60 in a batch-wise fashion.

In the embodiment of the enclosure 56 is formed by the walls, ?oor, and ceiling of a room or other structure such as a vehicle. The activated cleaning ?uid mist is produced by an integrated apparatus of the type illustrated in in which the mist generator 42 and the activator 46a are packaged together as a single unit. An optional second activator 46b is provided and used in the manner described in relation to whose disclosure is incorporated here. The second activator 46b maintains the activated cleaning ?uid mist in the activated state for extended periods of time, so as to allow complete decontamination of the room. The second activator 46b may be built into the walls, ?oor, or ceiling of the enclosure 56, or they may be provided as portable units that are positioned within the ure 56 only during the amination processing. The decontamination apparatus 38 of decontaminates the interior walls of the room, e, or other structure, as well as objects and people therein.

An apparatus 38 of the type shown in may be used to decontaminate a room (or rooms) in a nary home, office, or other facility, or the interior of a movable vehicle such as an aircraft, automobile, ship, or military vehicle. The enclosure 56 may also be a protective suit worn by decontamination personnel, to provide uing amination of its interior for normal operation or in the event of a leak in the protective suit. illustrates an embodiment wherein the mist generator 42 and the activator 46 are built into, or temporarily inserted into, an enclosure 56 in the form of a duct of the HVAC . The duct 62 may be part of the main duct of the HVAC system, or it may be an auxiliary duct added to the HVAC system for receiving the decontamination apparatus 38. A filter 64 is provided downstream of the mist generator 42 and tor 46 for removing particulate and any remaining mist. The filter 64 may be, for example, a porous carbon, low- restriction coalescing filter of the known type.

As illustrated by the embodiment of the decontamination apparatus 38 may be used to decontaminate air and other gas ?ows, in addition to solid objects. illustrates an ment wherein the decontamination apparatus 38 is used in the manner of a gas mask to furnish decontaminated breathing air for a person. The ure 56 is structured as a cannister having an air intake and an outlet ing air to a face mask 66 placed over the face of a person. The cleaning ?uid mist is injected into the incoming air by the mist generator 42. The activator 46 may be positioned to activate the cleaning ?uid mist in the manner of Instead, in this case the activator 46 is oned downstream of the air intake so that the cleaning ?uid mist is first thoroughly mixed with the ng air and thereafter activated by the activator 46. The filter 64 is provided as discussed earlier to remove particulate and any liquid remnants of the mist.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure operate in an ambient pressure of about one atmosphere or slightly above one here, all of which are within the scope of "substantially one atmosphere ambient pressure". As noted earlier, this capability is important because most decontamination situations require the ability to achieve the decontamination without setting up vacuum chambers or pressure chambers. The mist generator produces a small overpressure of the mist as it enters the one atmosphere nment, but does not require either a vacuum or a pressure chamber. Especially in embodiments such as those of FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, particulate matter may be removed from the contaminated region or contaminated gas ?ow and ted on s, thereby removing the carrier medium of the microbiological organisms as well as destroying the exposed microbiological organisms themselves.

Decontamination Method One aspect of the ation relates to a method for decontaminating an article or substantially enclosed space, sing the steps of: shearing a ng ?uid into a mist sing aerosol droplets accumulating in a top chamber portion of a substantially closed chamber comprising a funnel shaped top chamber portion, a bottom chamber n, a side chamber portion and an interior chamber portion, wherein the cleaning ?uid is sheared by ultrasonic cavitation, subjecting the mist to a nonthermal plasma actuator to form plasma activated ionic particles, and contacting the article or substantially enclosed space to the plasma activated ionic particles. One of ordinary skill will understand that the form, such as a funnel shaped top chamber, or factor of the aerolized method of applying plasma activated ionic particles is not limiting on the application.

Another aspect of the ation relates to a method for decontaminating an article or substantially enclosed space, comprising the steps of: shearing a ng ?uid into a mist comprising aerosol droplets by cavitating the cleaning ?uid using an ultrasonic cavitator submerged in a substantially closed chamber comprising the cleaning ?uid, subjecting the mist to a nonthermal plasma actuator in an outlet tube extending from an opening in a top chamber portion of the ntially closed chamber, wherein the outlet tube comprises a hollow lumen with a distal opening above the top chamber portion for expelling the aerosol droplets to form plasma activated ionic particles; and contacting the article or substantially enclosed space to the plasma activated ionic particles.

A further aspect of the application is a method for decontaminating an article or substantially enclosed space, comprising the steps of: submerging an ultrasonic cavitator in a reservoir of a cleaning ?uid, cavitating the ng ?uid with ultrasonic vibrations produced by the ultrasonic cavitator, generating a mist comprising aerosol droplets, wherein the mist is generated from the cleaning ?uid while the cleaning ?uid is being cavitated, subjecting the mist to a rmal plasma actuator to form plasma ted ionic particles, and contacting the plasma activated ionic particles to a pathogen.

Another aspect of the application relates to a method for decontaminating an article or substantially enclosed space, comprising the steps of: ing a reservoir of a cleaning ?uid, cavitating the reservoir of cleaning ?uid by applying force to the cleaning ?uid, generating a mist comprising aerosol droplets, wherein the mist is generated from the cleaning ?uid while the cleaning ?uid is subject to cavitation by force, subjecting the mist to a nonthermal plasma actuator to form plasma ted ionic particles, and contacting the plasma activated ionic particles to a pathogen.

The present disclosure provides a method of decontaminating an article or substantially enclosed space by ultrasonic cavitation. The present application discloses that the use of onic cavitation within the cleaning ?uid unexpectedly results in a low pressure, low ?uid ?ow mist that signi?cantly enhances kill performance and the ability to decontaminate y ed environments once the mist has been activated. The method also advantageously reduces the xity of the machinery used in decontaminating processes as no air compression is required.

Decontamination Devices Exemplary decontamination devices/systems of the present disclosure se an ator having a cold plasma arc that splits a hydrogen peroxide-based solution into reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals, that seek, kill, and render pathogens inactive. The activated particles generated by the applicator kill or inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens and are safe for sensitive equipment. In general, decontamination devices/systems of the present disclosure allow the effective treatment of an exemplary space measuring 104 m2 in about 75 minutes, ing application time, contact time, and aeration time.

Decontamination s/systems of the t disclosure are scalable and configurable to be effective in any size or volume of space/room/chamber/container. The scalability may be accomplished by the size of the device, by the manual control of the decontamination ?uid, or by programming the air pressure of the device and the consequent ?uid ?ow rate as a function of the input space/room/chamber/container parameters.

Exemplary spaces include, but are not limited to, clean rooms, research laboratories, production environments, service & technical areas (HEPA ?lters), material pass- through rooms, corridors and thoroughfares. The decontamination devices/systems of the t disclosure are able to areas from a single space to an entire building. The plasma activated ionic particles ted by the present device or system are non-caustic and silver free. In l, the mist generated by the present device or system moves through an enclosed space or over a surface. Exemplary surfaces that can be aminated include, but are not d to, safety ts, general laboratory equipment, isolators, HEPA filters, Vivarium caging, and decommissioned equipment.

Another aspect of the present ation relates to miniature decontamination devices that se a DCV miniature transformer and/or a DCV miniature compressor to reduce power demand and overall weight and size of the device. In some embodiments, a miniature decontamination device has that may be lunchbox-sized to backpack-sized, and/or has a weight in the range of 10-40 lb. In some embodiments, the miniature decontamination device is placed in a backpack, a lightweight portable case or on a wheeled cart. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a small chamber system that heats the decontaminating solution to cause vaporization before passing through the arc system. In particular embodiments, the device comprises a rechargeable battery operated portable wheeled system (similar in form to an IV stand-type system).

In some embodiments, the DCV miniature transformer has an input DC voltage in the range of 6-36V and generates an output of 12-225 kV. In some embodiments, the DCV miniature transformer has an input DC voltage of 24V and generates an output of 17.5kV.

In some embodiments, the DCV miniature compressor provides a pressure in the range of 10-60 psi and has an input DC voltage in the range of 6-36V. In some embodiments, the DCV miniature compressor provides a re in the range of 30-40 psi and has an input DC voltage of 24V.

In some embodiments, the miniature decontamination device further comprises a capacitor rectifier that smooths out arc converting s and increases the converting efficiency in AC.

In some embodiments, the miniature decontamination device further comprises low ?ow pump with a ?ow rate in the range of 4-40 ml/min and an operating voltage in the range of 6-36VDC.

In some embodiments, the miniature decontamination device r contains a control module that allows control (eg, start and or stop the device) and monitoring of the miniature decontaminating device from a remote device such as a tablet or a phone. In some embodiments, the control module further controls data storage, transfer and ng.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a miniature decontamination device that comprises a miniature ormer and an ultrasonic wafer or ultrasonic nebulizer as a mist generator. In some embodiments, the mist generator comprises a substantially closed sonication chamber that comprises a funnel shaped top chamber portion, a bottom chamber n, a side chamber portion and an interior chamber portion, wherein the cleaning ?uid is sheared by ultrasonic cavitation within the sonication chamber. In some embodiments, the device ses more than one ultrasonic wafer. In some further embodiments, the device comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 ultrasonic wafers.

In some embodiments, the decontamination device has a modular structure that reduces the footprint of the device and allows exchange of modules n different devices.

In some embodiments, the decontamination device further comprises low ?ow pump with a ?ow rate in the range of 4-40 ml/min and an operating voltage in the range of 6- 36VDC or 10-28 VDC.

In some embodiments, the decontamination device further contains a control module that allows control (6. g. start and or stop the device) and monitoring of the miniature decontaminating device from a remote device such as a tablet or a phone. In some ments, the control module further controls data storage, transfer and printing. In some embodiments, the control module allows for remote service and connection, for ing video or data, and for providing feedback to the user during use or after use.

In some embodiments, the amination device is mounted on a rotating base that allows better coverage for the area to be decontaminated, as illustrated in the diagrams of FIGS. IOA-D. In some embodiments, the ng base is a 180-degree rotating base. In some embodiments, the ng base is a 360-degree rotating base. In some embodiments, the rotating base is an adjustable rotating base having a rotation range of 60-360 degrees. In some embodiments, the rotation is around a single axis. In other embodiments, the rotation is around multiple axes. In still other embodiments, the rotation is in all directions or is a fully cal motion. A ents a configuration of device elements wherein a cleaning ?uid source 40 and a mist tor 42 are linked via an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees. B represents a configuration of device elements wherein a cleaning ?uid source 40 is interfaced with a mist generator 42 that, in turn, is linked to a mist delivery unit 72 via an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees. C represents a con?guration of device elements wherein a mist generator 42 is mounted on an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees.

D represents another con?guration of device elements wherein a mist generator 42 feeds into a mist delivery unit 72 that is mounted on an actuating device 70 that has an adjustable range of rotation of up to 360 degrees.

FIGS. llA-C depict exemplary ments of the decontamination device that are mobile or portable. The depictions are not intended to show the elements of the device in a ?xed position within the le units, rather the placement of individual components as show is merely exemplary and the positions of the elements can be rearranged to suit a ular application. A depicts an embodiment wherein at least a mist generator 42 and a voltage source 52 are contained within a portable housing. In some embodiments, the voltage source 52 is AC. In other embodiments, the voltage source 52 is DC. In still other embodiments, the voltage source 52 can be switched between AC and DC. The mist generator 42 is functionally connected to a mist delivery unit 72 which may be mounted on the g or is a remote unit.

In some embodiments, the mist delivery unit 72 is hand held, d on another tus, or held by/mounted on another machine or a robot. In some further embodiments, the robots are self-navigating and patrol an area. B depicts a mist generator 42 and a voltage source 52 contained within a portable container, wherein the entire unit can be hand held, d on another apparatus, or held by/mounted on another machine or a robot. In some embodiments, the voltage source is AC. In other embodiments, the voltage source 52 is DC. In still other embodiments, the voltage source can be switched between AC and DC. In particular embodiments, the mist is dispersed from the unit via high voltage ion 100. In some embodiments, the high voltage actuation is persistent. In other embodiments, the high voltage actuation is intermittent. In particular embodiments, the high voltage actuation charges the mist and further atomizes the droplets. C s an exemplary embodiment wherein a mist tor 42 and a e source 52 are ned within a wearable container, such as a back pack. The mist generator 42 is onally connected to a mist delivery unit 72 which may be mounted on the container or is a remote unit. In some embodiments, the mist delivery unit 72 is hand held, mounted on another apparatus, or held by/mounted on another machine or a robot.

As exempli?ed in A, in some embodiments, the decontamination device comprises an ultrasonic wafer or ultrasonic zer 82 as a mist generator. In some embodiments, the mist generator 42 comprises a substantially closed sonication chamber that comprises a bottom chamber portion or reservoir, a top chamber n 74 forming a pathway between the bottom chamber portion and a plasma actuator 76, a voltage source 52, a side chamber n comprising a cleaning ?uid source 40 and an interior chamber portion, wherein the cleaning ?uid 80 that is dispensed into the nebulizer 82 is sheared by ultrasonic cavitation generated by a ultrasonic cavitation device 78 within the sonication chamber. The cleaning ?uid 80 is introduced into a ?uid chamber or reservoir until it submerges an ultrasonic cavitator 78.

The ultrasonic tor 78 es resonant ultrasonic waves that serve to cavitate the cleaning ?uid, which produces a mist of aerosol droplets that rise from the ?uid through a pathway 74.

The mist passes through an applicator head and a plasma actuator, or electrodes 76, where the particles are activated before entering the external atmosphere. In some embodiments a fan may be used to direct the ?ow of the mist. In n embodiments, the device comprises a rotating ator based with a small circulating fan. In other embodiments, the device comprises a self-contained applicator that would e air compressor, ?uid pump, and ormer. In some embodiments, heating elements heat the space inside to spread the nebulized mist. In some embodiments, the device comprises rotating heads or nozzles.

The pathway can take any form suitable to direct the aerosol droplets from the reservoir to the plasma actuator 76. In some embodiments, the pathway is in the form of a funnel. In other embodiments, the pathway may be, but is not limited to, in the form of a pipe, tube, elbow or cylinder.

In some embodiments, the plasma actuator is nonthermal. In other embodiments, the plasma or is thermal.

B diagrams a system n a mobile/wireless/remote control device 84 is functionally connected to a decontamination device of the present disclosure, such as a nebulizer 82. The functional connection can be wired or wireless. In some embodiments, a wireless connection includes, but is not limited to, radio frequency, infrared, wifi, BLUETOOTH, or any other suitable means of wireless ication. In some embodiments, the control device 84 sends control instructions 86 to the nebulizer 82 via the onal connection and the nebulizer 82 send feedback data 88 to the control device 84 via the functional connection. C diagrams an embodiment of the system, n the system comprises multiple amination s, such as nebulizers 82, that are controlled by a l device 84 and further two-way communicate 90 between the nebulizers 82 by wired or wireless means. In some embodiments, a system can have a single control unit 84 that controls multiple nebulizers 82 that are situated in different areas of a room, and/or different rooms, and or/attached to, or aimed at, different pieces of equipment, such as a ?ow hood, that need to be sterilized/decontaminated. One of ordinary skill will understand that the devices may be networked to the control unit individually, or sequentially, or wirelessly, and that the network arrangement ed herein is not limiting.

FIGS. 13A-B depict a similar system having a single (A) or multiple (B) mist generator(s) 42 which two-way communicate 92, 96, being controlled by a control device 84, which further provides data 94 to an external source regarding the ent of an area or surface. One of ordinary skill will also tand that the devices may be networked to the control unit individually, or sequentially, or wirelessly, and that the network arrangement depicted herein is not ng. diagrams a system wherein a mist generator 42, ng ?uid source 40 and mist delivery unit 72 are r interfaced with a sensor 98. In some embodiments, the sensor 98 detects microbes (such as bacteria, parasites, e, or viral particles), that are airborne or contaminating a surface. In some embodiments, the sensor 98, upon detection of contaminants, automatically triggers ion of the system.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a decontamination device that comprises a capacitor recti?er that smooth’s out arc converting s and increases the converting ef?ciency. diagrams an exemplary recti?er comprising a voltage source 52, at least one capacitor 102 interfaced with a nonthermal plasma actuator 76.

Conventional methods of decontamination are less effective in decontaminating small enclosures. This application discloses that decontamination using a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide provides unexpectedly high levels of kill rate of ens (which encompasses bacteria, fungi, protozoan or viruses), such as, e.g., Candida auris, in small ures, semi-enclosed spaces and closed areas (a small enclosure is an area of 12" x 12" x 12" or less, a semi-enclosed space is an area in which part of a small enclosure is open to other areas, a closed area is an area in which no parts of the small ure are open to other areas).

A very dry mist is a mist in which particles have particle size diameter within the ranges of about 0.1-0.2 microns, 0.1-0.3 microns, 0.1-0.4 microns, 0.1-0.5 microns, 0.1-0.6 microns, 0.1-0.7 microns, 0.1-0.8 microns, 0.1-0.9 microns, 0.1-1 microns, 1-1.1 microns, 1-1.2 microns, 1-1.3 microns, 1-1.4 microns, 1-1.5 microns, 1-1.6 microns, 1-1.7 microns, 1-1.8 microns, 1-1.9 microns, 1-2 microns, 0.5-0.6 microns, 7 microns, 0.5-0.8 microns, 0.5-0.9 microns, 0.5—1 microns, 0.5-1.1 microns, 0.5-1.2 microns, 0.5-1.3 microns, 0.5-1.4 microns, 0.5-1.6 mocrons, 0.5-1.7 microns, 0.5-1.8 s, 0.5-1.9 microns, 0.5-2 microns, 0.5-2.1 microns, 0.5-2.2 microns, 0.5-2.3 microns, 0.5-2.4 microns, 0.5-2.5 microns, 0.5-2.6 microns, 7 microns, 0.5-2.8 microns, 0.5-2.9 microns, 0.5-3 microns, 0.5-3.1 microns, 0.5-3.2 microns, 0.5-3.3 microns, 0.5-3.4 microns, or 0.5-3.5 microns. In certain embodiments, the very dry mist has particles with le er size in the range of about 0.5-3 microns.

An aspect of this ation discloses the use of a handheld, point-and-spray device that may be used for decontamination of small enclosures by using a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen perodice. The handheld device includes a programming clock, and provides air pressure l and ?uid ?ow control through use of one or more iometers. The programming clock provides the ability to automate cycles of decontamination within a small enclosure. The cycles of decontamination controlled by the mming clock may, for example, include cycles of spraying a very dry mist for thirty s, stopping spray for ten seconds, and then re-starting ng for another thirty seconds, etc, repeating such cycles for a ?xed period of time. The programming clock can be set manually by a user or controlled remotely by wireless by the user or a computer processor with pre-programmed decontamination cycles that are transmitted to the device for deployment. In n embodiments, a user may manually control the cycles of decontamination by operating by hand the control knob of the device which controls spray of the very dry mist.

In certain embodiments, the device will possess a computer processor that can calculate the appropriate settings (e. g. ?ow rate, air pressure, number and length of decontamination cycles) to produce a very dry mist comprising d hydrogen peroxide that will effectively decontaminate a small enclosure. In such embodiments, the user may enter the ters of the small enclosure manually to the device, or enter them ly by a wireless connection. The operation of the device can be fully ted, fully manually controlled, or may be semi-automated (e.g., uses cycles of decontamination performed automatically according to parameters that have been manually entered). illustrates one embodiment of a cleaning ?uid source, specifically a mist generator 142, which es on two platforms. One platform may be a ld, point-and- spray surface decontamination device, and the other platform may be a programmable, automated environment decontamination device designed for small enclosures. The handheld, point-and-spray feature allows for manual or automated control of the decontamination action.

The programmable automation may allow input of the surrounding parameters in order to predictably and consistently e in an optimal arrangement with the geometry of the decontaminated enclosure. illustrates one embodiment of a y of a programming clock 143 adjustable to control a mist generator 142 shown in , for example. A voltage source within the decontamination device may be connected to an adjustable voltage divider, such as a potentiometer, for example. The iometer may include a housing that contains a resistive element and a contact that slides along the resistive element, two electrical terminals at the two ends of the resistive element, and a mechanism that moves the sliding contact from one end to the other. The potentiometer used may be a circular slider potentiometer, a liner slider iometer, or any other suitable slider arrangement may be used. The potentiometer may include a resistive element made of graphite, plastic containing carbon particles, ance wire, or a mixture of ceramic and metal, for example.

The iometer may be controlled by a control unit in order to regulate inputs for the electric circuit of the voltage source. The potentiometer may allow a user to control the air pressure and the ?uid ?ow rate of the cleaning ?uid mist ?owing through a tube 150. While the reduced air pressure affects the size of the produced mist/fog particles, the tube 150 may be modi?ed into a funnel nozzle to compensate for the reduction. The tube’s transverse diameter may be gradually varied to alow the spray of the decontamination ?uid through the tube 150 to be adjusted in order to e a desired mist/fog particle size.

The voltage source may be a battery and a circuit to supply a high voltage to an activation source for a sufficient period to activate the amount of cleaning ?uid that is stored within a pressure ner. As mentioned above, the tube 150 may be either the nozzle of the pressure container or it may be funnel shaped. As shown in , the tube 150 may be attached to the eld device 142 operating from a cleaning ?uid source and with a plug-in or battery electrical voltage source. The cleaning ?uid source may be pressurized to drive the ?ow of the cleaning ?uid h the tube 150, or there may be provided an optional pump that forces the ng ?uid through the mist generator 142 and out of the tube 150 with greater force.

As shown in , the decontamination device 142 may be mounted on a rotating base that allows better coverage for the area to be decontaminated. The rotating base may be a 180-degree rotating base, or a gree rotating base. In some embodiments, the rotating base is an adjustable rotating base having a rotation range of 60-360 degrees. In some ments, the rotation is around a single axis. In other embodiments, the rotation is around multiple axes. In still other embodiments, the rotation is in all directions or is a fully spherical motion. In yet another ment, a knob 210 may be d for manual regulation of the air pressure and ?uid ?ow rate.

In a programmable device, the control unit may be programmed to control the potentiometer and the pump based on the desired ?uid parameters. For example, in particularly small enclosures, a drier mist is generated, in order for the mist to travel a shorter distance. This may be lished by reducing the air pressure of the decontamination device well below the predetermined standard air pressure, or the standard ?uid ?ow rate well below the predetermined standard ?ow rate. The standard air pressure entered into the programmable control unit may be in the range between 25-50 psi, and the input standard air pressure range may be modi?ed as deemed suitable. Moreover, the standard ?uid ?ow rate entered into the programmable control unit may be in the range between 25-50 ml/minute, and the input rd ?uid ?ow rate range may be modi?ed as considered appropriate.

In some embodiments, the air pressure of the decontamination device may be 5- psi, or, in ative embodiments, it may be 10-20 psi. In one e discussed in detail below, the air pressure of the decontamination device is 15 psi. onally, in certain embodiments, the ?ow rate of the decontamination ?uid may be 5-25 ml/minute, or, in alternative embodiments, it may be 10-15 ml/minute. In one example discussed in detail below, the ?ow rate of the decontamination ?uid is 10 ml/minute.

In certain embodiments, the spray pattern of a cleaning ?uid may be set based on spray cycle parameters, such as a time period during spraying, a time period between two consequent sprayings, and a total number of sprayings performed. In certain embodiments, the time period between two consequent sprayings may be 10-120 seconds, or, in alternative embodiments, it may be 30-90 seconds. In one example discussed in detail below, the time period between two consequent sprayings is 60 seconds. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the time period during sprayings may be 10-180 seconds, or, in alternative embodiments, it may be 60-120 seconds. In some cases, the time period during spraying is 90 seconds, with 60 second intervals n spraying.

In comparison with the programmable device, a handheld surface decontamination device may be manually operated by turning the control knob on a handheld applicator to produce the ionized en peroxide very dry mist. In one e, ?uid or air settings are not programably modi?ed, but are, instead, ly controlled by the user based on an ment by the user of the actual con?nes of the small ure.

One embodiment of the hand-held device 142 is used in conjunction with a small enclosure to achieve decontamination of the interior of the small enclosure. The small enclosure may serve as a r in which a target object is decontaminated. The target object may be stationary, or it may move through the enclosure on a conveyer. The small enclosure may be de?ned with respect to the device 142 by a variety of characteristics, such as: the dimensions of the enclosure, the relative position of the device 142 from the boundaries of the enclosure, the air temperature/pressure/humidity within the ure, or any other property of the enclosure space deemed relevant. Moreover, in instances where a target object moves within the small enclosure, an initial location of the object, its relative speed, and its moving direction in regard to the device 142 may be measured to be used as input subsequently. In instances where the device 142 rotates around a ?xed on within the small enclosure, the rotation speed may be ascertained and used as input for processing by a er processor.

The device 142 may be integrated into a system for decontaminating. The input of the small enclosure, and any target object characteristics, with respect to the device 142 may be entered into the system manually, or it may be ed by multiple sensors. The sensors may be in networked communication with the er processor, such as a control unit programmed to control the device 142. The control unit may l an adjustable potentiometer that regulates parameters relevant to the decontamination cycle of the device 142.

In one example, the ionized hydrogen peroxide mist added to and mixed with another gas ?ow. The activated ng ?uid mist mixes with the gas ?ow, and the mixed gas ?ow contacts the surface of the small ure and/or target obj ect. Some of the ters relevant to the performance of the decontamination device 142 may be air pressure of the gas that mixes with the mist and ?uid ?ow rate of the ?uid departing the device 142. These parameters may be regulated by controlling an air valve 190 placed on the front of the device 142, and/or by modifying the size and shape of the tube 150, for example.

As shown in , the ?uid parameters of the amination device 142 may be monitored on the display of the device. The parameters may be adjusted remotely. In one embodiment, a wireless network connection is feasible between the control unit and the device 142, in order to set the ?uid parameters of the device 142. In some embodiments, a wireless tion includes, but is not limited to, radio frequency, infrared, wifi, BLUETOOTH, or any other suitable means of wireless communication.

The adjustment of the ?uid ters is particularly important in small enclosures. A mist producing device 142 allows for manipulation of ?uid ?ow rates and air pressure as needed to accommodate unique settings required for very small spaces. Very small enclosures require that the mist/fog being dispensed only travels far enough to reach across the longest ion of the enclosure, or to reach the target object, for example. The ?uid parameters ment may be accomplished with the air valve 190, and may be verified with a air pressure gauge also located on the front of the unit, for example.

It is a common problem of the conventional technology that excessive air pressure reduction es mist particles that are too large to achieve a desired og profile.

At the same time, particularly small enclosure spaces often e significant air pressure reduction. These ng constraints of a decontamination system are addressed by certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Namely, by programming the processor to control the potentiometer based on the input parameters of the small enclosure, a user can regulate a ?uid ?ow rate in synchronization with the air pressure. As a result, reducing the ?uid ?ow rate while simultaneously lowering the air pressure maintains the mist/fog particle size small, while limiting the distance the spray can reach. In this manner, the mist sprayed by the device 142 remains within the boundaries of the small enclosure, without creating excessively wet and dense fog. The programmable balance between the air pressure and the ?uid ?ow rate, ore, prevents saturating surfaces opposite to mist ators, increased moisture accumulation due to condensation, false negative validation results or increased aeration times of the enclosure.

In the ative, the device 142 can e all of the identified benefits if manually controlled, as well. Namely, a hand-held platform of the decontamination device 142 allows operation by using a control knob on the handheld applicator to produce the d hydrogen de mist. In certain embodiments, the device is designed to be used by technicians using a trigger on the device to control its use by adjusting the position of the trigger. In other embodiments, the operation of the device may be fully automated or semi- automated. Desired values achieved manually may be monitored on the device display.

Decontamination devices/systems may be scalable and configurable to be effective in any size or volume of space/room/chamber/container. The scalability may be accomplished by the size of the device, by the manual control of the decontamination ?uid, or by mming the air pressure of the device and the consequent ?uid ?ow rate as a function of the input room/chamber/container parameters. Accordingly, the size and volume of the device 142 may be selected depending on the geometry of the enclosure and the location of the target object inside the enclosure in order to optimize decontamination performance.

In some embodiments, a miniature decontamination device 142 further contains a control module that allows control (eg, start and or stop the device) and monitoring of the miniature decontaminating device from a remote device such as a tablet or a phone. In other embodiments, the control module further controls data storage, transfer and printing. In certain embodiments, the l module allows for remote e and connection, for recording video or data, and for providing feedback to the user during use or after use.

The following examples are by way of illustration only and should not be considered limiting on the aspects or embodiments of the application.

Example 1.

In a first test series, identical cultures of serratia marcenscens were prepared by plating onto filter papers. One en was incubated for 24 hours at 30° C in air as a control.

Significant growth of the bacteria culture was observed. A second specimen was exposed to a 3 percent by volume aqueous hydrogen de mist (which had not been activated) for 60 seconds in air at one atmosphere pressure, and fter incubated for 24 hours at 30° C in air.

Significant growth of the ia e was observed. A third en was exposed to a 3 percent by volume aqueous hydrogen peroxide mist, which had been activated by passage through a 10.5 kilovolt AC arc, for 60 seconds in air at one atmosphere pressure, and thereafter incubated for 24 hours at 30° C in air at one atmosphere re. This specimen showed no growth of the ia culture, which was killed by the treatment. After this demonstration that the tion treatment rendered the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mist capable of ting growth, additional respective specimens were tested using 1.5 percent, 0.75 percent, 0.3 percent, and 0 percent ("activated" water vapor only) concentration hydrogen peroxide mists for 60 seconds exposure in air at one atmosphere pressure, and incubated as described. The ens contacted by the 1.5 percent and 0.75 percent hydrogen peroxide mists showed no growth. The specimen contacted by the 0.3 percent hydrogen peroxide mist showed very slight growth. The specimen contacted by the 0 percent en de mist showed signi?cant growth of the ia culture.

Example 2.

For a second and third test series, a duct-simulation structure was built. The imulation structure was a pipe about 10 inches in diameter and 10 feet long, oriented vertically. The mist generator and activator were positioned at the top of the pipe, and a fan operating at about 350-400 cubic feet per minute gas ?ow was positioned at the bottom of the pipe to induce a gas ?ow downwardly through the pipe. Test ports were located at 1 foot, 2 feet, 4 feet, and 6 feet from the top of the pipe, and specimens to be tested were inserted at the s ports.

In the second test series, bacterial spore strips (each about 3/4 inch long and 1/4 inch wide) impregnated with about 106 spores per strip of Bacillus stearothermophilus were placed in each of the test ports of the duct-simulation structure. After testing, the specimens were incubated at 50° C for seven days. In the first test specimen series, air only (no hydrogen peroxide) was ?owed over the specimens for 15 seconds. Significant growth of the bacteria culture at all test ports was observed after incubation. In the second specimen series, a 6 percent by volume hydrogen peroxide mist was generated, but not activated, and ?owed over the specimens for 15 seconds. The same significant growth of the bacteria culture at all test ports was ed as for the first test specimen series. In the third specimen series, this procedure was repeated, but the 6 t hydrogen peroxide mist was activated by a 15 kilovolt AC arc.

No growth of the bacteria culture was observed at any of the test ports. These results for bacillus stearothermophilus are significant, because this bacteria is known to be resistant to growth control using conventional, low percentage tivated hydrogen peroxide ents.

Example 3.

In the third test series, bacterial spore strips like those described above were used, except that the bacteria was Bacillus subtilis var. niger. us subtilis var. niger is a recognized proxy for Bacillus anthracis, which is in the same genus and which causes anthrax.

Because of its similarity to Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis var. niger is used in laboratory testing to study growth of anthrax and its control, without the risk of contracting or spreading anthrax. In the ?rst test en series, air only (no hydrogen peroxide) was ?owed over the specimens for 15 seconds. Signi?cant growth of the bacteria culture was ed after incubation of specimens from all ports. In the second specimen series, a 6 percent by volume hydrogen peroxide mist was generated, but not activated, and ?owed over the specimens for 15 seconds. The same signi?cant growth of the bacteria culture was observed at all ports as for the ?rst test specimen series. In the third specimen series, this procedure was repeated, but the 6 percent en peroxide mist was activated by passage through a 15 kilovolt AC arc. No growth of the bacteria culture was observed at any of the ports. This testing established that this approach controls the growth of the anthrax proxy in the duct simulation structure.

Example 4.

In further testing, ultrasonic cavitation of the ng ?uid to generate a low pressure, low air ?ow mist resulted in superior kill.

A 16x16x16 inch box was built for this testing, with the nozzle of the decontamination apparatus penetrating the bottom of the box in the center of the bottom panel. 6-Log biological cillus stearothermophilus) and chemical (iodine H202) indicators were placed in the center of all of the vertical . Biological and chemical indicators were also placed on the bottom panel of the box, immediately next to the nozzle. ted mist was injected into the box for one minute and d to dwell for ?ve s.

The biological indicators were then removed from the box and ted for 7 days. Following incubation, the biological indicators were examined and ted 6 log kill of the bacteria. gh a particular embodiment has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modi?cations and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, the application is not to be limited by the described embodiments.

Example 5.

In an ef?cacy test, the decontamination /system of the t disclosure was tested against a variety of bacterial spores and gram-negative bacteria (including multiple drug resistant organisms, gram-positive ia, mold and viruses. Using procedures described in the present disclosure, the log10 reduction of the organisms in the following table were determined: Bacillus atrophaeus (surrogate for B. cic) >8.3 Geobacillus stearotheroplzilus Bacterial spore >6.3 Bacillus subtilis Bacterial spore >60 Bacillus atrophaeus vegetative cells Gram Positive Aspergillus niger Mold Trichoplzyton mentagrophytes Mold >60 Human rhinovirus 16 (surrogate for human in?uenza) Virus >6. 8 In?uenza A (H1N1) Norovirus Virus >64 Adenovirus Virus >5.8 The results presented in the table show that the decontamination device/system of the present sure is an effective broad-spectrum surface and air disinfectant/decontan?nant.

It is effective against, bacterial , gram-negative bacteria, ositive bacteria, multiple drug resistant organisms, mold and viruses. The decontamination device/system is effective for mold mitigation and remediation, as well as the elimination of bacteria and viruses.

The decontamination cycle discussed herein relates to the conversion of hydrogen peroxide solution to ionized hydrogen peroxide after passing through an atmospheric cold plasma arc. d hydrogen peroxide contains a high concentration of reactive oxygen species ed mostly of hydroxyl radicals. Reactive oxygen species damage enic organisms through oxidation of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This leads to cellular disruptions and/or dysfunction and allows for d1sinfection/decontamination in targeted areas, including large spaces.

In n embodiments for direct application onto surfaces, the particle size for the ionized hydrogen peroxide is 0.5-3 microns, ?ow rate is 50 ml per , dose application is 1 ml per square foot, with an application time of 5 seconds over per square foot of ent area, and a contact time of 7 minutes to disinfect/decontaminate high touch surfaces. In particular ments, the solution used is formulated as silver, chlorine and peracetic acid free, which maximizes material compatibility on rubber, metals, and other surfaces. In other embodiments, effective whole room treatment can be achieved in under 45 minutes for a room which is over 3500 cubic feet. In such embodiments, ?ow rate may be 25 ml per minute per applicator used (which depends on room size), dose application is 0.5 ml per cubic foot. The room is safe to enter once hydrogen peroxide is below 0.2 ppm. Treatment time, dosage, dwell time, etc, can be varied to suit the desired decontamination goals of the user.

Example 6.

In one example for direct application onto es, a small enclosed space is decontaminated. The dimensions of the small container used for the treatment are 12" by 12" by 12". One of the objectives of the example is to maintain the particle size for the decontamination mist/fog sufficiently small (e.g., 0.5-3 microns) in order to avoid excessively dense fog resulting in increased moisture accumulation and ion time, thus causing false negative validation results. In this example, four injections are performed with 60 seconds between each two consequent injections, and a pulsing program runs for approximately 90 seconds during each inj ection. Considering the d size of the container, the air pressure within the decontamination device is reduced well below the standard pressure range (e.g., 25- 50 psi) to 15 psi. In order to prevent the pressure reduction from producing undesirably large sizes of mist/fog particles, the ?uid ?ow rate is also reduced well below the standard range ?ow rate (e.g., 25-50 ml per ) to 10-12 ml per minute. Treatment time, dosage, dwell time, etc, can be varied to suit the desired amination goals of the user. This very dry mist unexpectedly results in a enhanced kill rate of ens on surfaces of the small enclosure.

The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person of ordinary skill in the art how to ce the present application, and it is not ed to detail all those obvious modifications and variations of it which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present application. The claims are ed to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence which is ive to meet the objectives there ed, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

Claims (15)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for decontaminating an enclosed space, comprising the steps of: entering input parameters of the enclosed space into a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is programmed to determine fluid properties of a cleaning fluid in a decontamination device based on the input parameters of the ed space, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises hydrogen peroxide, ting a decontamination cycle of the decontamination device, wherein the decontamination cycle comprises the steps of: providing a reservoir of the cleaning fluid; setting the ined fluid properties of the cleaning fluid; generating a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide of the cleaning fluid, wherein the very dry mist ses particles of diameter size in the range of 0.5-0.9 microns, wherein the generated very dry mist is d to decontaminate the enclosed space, wherein the setting of the determined fluid properties to the cleaning fluid is performed by controlling an air valve.

2. The method of Claim 1, further comprising operating the decontamination device manually.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein the decontamination device is hand-held to be operated manually.

4. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 3, n the input parameters of the enclosed space comprise: dimensions of the enclosed space, a position of the amination device ve to boundaries of the ed space, air temperature, pressure, and humidity of the enclosed space.

5. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the set fluid properties of the cleaning fluid comprise air pressure and fluid flow rate.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the very dry mist is created by ultrasonic cavitation.

7. The method of Claim 5, wherein the fluid properties of the cleaning fluid are set by lowering the air pressure and the fluid flow rate respectively below a ermined standard air pressure and a ermined standard fluid flow rate.

8. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the input parameters of the enclosed space are manually input.

9. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the input ters of the enclosed space are measured by a plurality of sensors that are in networked communication with the processing unit.

10. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit and the decontamination device are in wireless communication.

11. A system for decontaminating an enclosed space, comprising a decontamination device and a computer processor, wherein the computer processor is in networked communication with the decontamination device, wherein input parameters of the ed space are entered into the er processor, wherein the computer processor is programmed to determine fluid properties of a cleaning fluid in the decontamination device based on the input ters of the enclosed space, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises hydrogen peroxide, wherein the computer processor is further mmed to activate a amination cycle of the decontamination device, the decontamination cycle comprising the steps of: providing a reservoir of the cleaning fluid; setting the determined fluid properties of the cleaning fluid; generating a very dry mist comprising ionized hydrogen peroxide of the cleaning fluid, wherein the very dry mist comprises particles of diameter size in the range of 0.5-0.9 microns, wherein the generated very dry mist is applied to decontaminate the enclosed space, n the setting of the determined fluid properties to the cleaning fluid is performed by controlling an air valve.

12. The system of Claim 11, wherein the decontamination device is operated manually.

13. The system of Claim 12, wherein the amination device is hand-held to be operated manually.

14. The system of any one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the input ters of the enclosed space comprise: dimensions of the enclosed space, a position of the decontamination device relative to boundaries of the enclosed space, air ature, pressure, and humidity of the enclosed space.

15. The system of any one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the set fluid properties of the cleaning fluid comprise air pressure and fluid flow rate.