Abstract: A method for the removal and rapid decomposition of halogenated fumigation agents is described. A fumigation agent, such as methyl bromide, contained in the gas stream exiting a fumigation chamber or structure is captured on activated carbon or other retentive substrate and rapidly decomposed using thiosulfate and water. The method provides an inexpensive, safe, and on-site executable way to remove and detoxify methyl bromide from fumigation discharge gases, thereby reducing or eliminating methyl bromide emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Heat-treated lactic and/or glycolic acid compositions are provided herein which are useful for antimicrobial treatment of surfaces, preferably food surfaces including fruits, vegetables and animal carcasses. These heat-treated lactic and/or glycolic acid compositions have an average molecular weight preferably less than or equal to about 700 D and are mixtures of single molecules of the acid and ester complexes of the acid molecules containing two to no more than about ten molecules per complex. Preferably, these compositions comprise more than about 50 weight percent of the ester complexes, and more preferably about 75 weight percent. Aqueous solutions of these materials and methods for making and using the materials are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of chemical sterilant concentration during all phases of a sterilization cycle by employing semiconductor-based sensor modules to selectively detect and measure the actual sterilant concentration in real time. In response to the transmitted concentration values, the sterilizer control system controls critical environmental parameters to maintain concentration levels within acceptable ranges for given time periods to assure sterilization efficacy and that the sterilant has been properly exhausted at completion of the cycle. The selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy of the semiconductor sensor are optimized by calibrating the sensor to baseline environmental parameters and by adjusting the sensor concentration reading when environmental parameters change during the sterilization cycle, by programming a new baseline value for the sterilant concentration at the new condition.

Abstract: A method for processing water-bound wastes and for adjusting quantities and for combining ingredients to achieve a desired mechanical property of the mixture. The process includes the establishment of at least one input parameter for the ingredients. The ingredients include heated granular solids and contaminated water-bound wastes. The mixing process causes the water-bound waste to be heated to a temperature which assures neutralization or purification of any waste borne contamination and which simultaneously cools the granular solid. The method includes testing the mixture for satisfaction of at least one of the established mixture physical property limits and, if necessary, adjusting at least one input parameter to achieve the desired physical property value.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing process fermentation vessels with a concentrated alcohol and water mixture integrated in a fuel alcohol or other alcohol production facility. Hot, concentrated alcohol is drawn from a distillation or other purification stage and sprayed into the empty fermentation vessels. This sterilizing alcohol/water mixture should be of a sufficient concentration, preferably higher than 12% alcohol by volume, to be toxic to undesirable microorganisms. Following sterilization, this sterilizing alcohol/water mixture can be recovered back into the same distillation or other purification stage from which it was withdrawn. The process of this invention has its best application in, but is not limited to, batch fermentation processes, wherein the fermentation vessels must be emptied, cleaned, and sterilized following completion of each batch fermentation process.

Abstract: A method of fumigation which will destroy microorganisms in the environment of hatching and newly hatched poultry whereby a disinfecting solution such as hydrogen peroxide is applied into the environment by a microaerosol. The method significantly reduces the level of microorganisms in the environment and reduces the risk of post hatch transfer of potentially disease causing microorganisms, without adversely affecting the viability of the newly hatched poultry.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and preparing a quantity of produce for sale that includes the steps of placing the produce on a conveyor and rotating it so as to expose all sides thereof, spraying the produce with a mixture of water and ozone so as to cover the produce and so as to loosen dirt and mold, and kill bacteria, placing the produce on a rotating brush bed so as to brush the produce and remove the loosened dirt and mold, spraying the produce with a further mixture of water and ozone so as to clean, rinse and disinfect the produce, removing excess water from the produce, applying food grade wax to the produce, and drying the produce.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for sterilization and/or heat treatment of products in particle form, e.g. bone meal, and comprising an upright-standing pressure vessel (2) with elevator arrangement (6) which lifts the meal from the bottom area (5) to the top area (4), and lets it fall back to the bottom area for re-lifting.The processing is effected by direct steam supply (16), whereby the meal is heated to sterilization temperature.After the treatment or the sterilization, the vessel is emptied by the opening of a bottom valve (10). During the whole of the process, i.e. during filling, sterilization and emptying, the elevator arrangement (6) is in operation.The elevator arrangement is, for example, a helical vibration elevator firmly built into the vessel and with external vibration motors (8), so that the whole of the vessel is made to vibrate.

Abstract: A system and method for handling contaminated operating room surgical instruments includes a rectangular porous strainer which is sufficiently large to fully contain a variety of surgical tools and instruments and a waterproof rectangular basin, sized to receive the strainer. The basin is adapted to fit stably onto a conventional surgical ring stand either alone, or with a separate adapter. The system replaces conventional round surgical basins which are not capable of safely containing the larger or longer surgical instruments typical of many modern surgical procedures. Utilizing the system eliminates the current practice of manually transferring contaminated instruments from the round surgical basins into larger soaking trays for transportation to the decontamination area.

Abstract: A process, formula and apparatus for the treatment and sterilization of biological, solid, liquid, ferrous metallic, non-ferrous metallic, toxic and hospital dangerous waste or residual material utilizes a mixture of oxygen, ozone, water, and optionally, carbon dioxide, in variable proportions and rates. The apparatus comprises an oxygen container (10) and a carbon dioxide container (11) from which the oxygen and the carbon dioxide are incorporated through respective conduits (13) and (15) to an ozonizer (1) provided with cooling water inlet (16) and outlet (17). The conduits (13) and (15) exit adjacent to the ozone conduit (14), up to the injector (3), and are actuated by the pump (2) and pass through the mixing conduit (4) to the absorption and outgassing tank (5) from which the conduit (6) for the washing fluid passes to the treatment tank (7) having a degasification valve (12) or catalyst.

Abstract: A method sterilizes a device having a diffusion restricted area and a non-diffusion restricted area. The method includes the steps of contacting the device with liquid sterilant outside or inside a sterilization chamber fluidly connected to at least one pump, placing the device in the chamber (before or after the contacting step), bringing the pressure of the chamber to a first pressure range at which liquid sterilant is vaporized from the non-diffusion restricted area to sterilize the non-diffusion restricted area, and bringing the pressure of the chamber to a second pressure range at which the liquid sterilant is vaporized from the diffusion restricted area to sterilize the diffusion restricted area. The minimum pressure in the second pressure range is lower than the maximum pressure in the first pressure range.

Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting airborne, infectious microorganisms in indoor air and collecting them for rapid identification. Diseased air is drawn into an enclosed chamber where it is percolated through a liquid such that many of the microorganisms become encapsulated in the liquid. The liquid is then atomized to ensure encapsulation of microorganisms which may have escaped encapsulation in the percolation step, and then separated from the air. The relatively slow drawing rate and delicate percolation through the liquid preserves the integrity of the microorganisms. The air is released into the room, while the microorganism-containing liquid is directed to a reservoir from which samples may be extracted for analysis. The liquid is recycled.

Abstract: Method of preserving mineral slurries from microbiological attack comprising introducing a nitrite or TBIP followed by sufficient 3-isothiazolone biocide to protect the slurry from attack. Mineral slurries which are so protected are also disclosed.

Abstract: When fumigating a bulk particulate commodity stored in a top-vented vertical silo by slowly passing a gas containing a low concentration of a gaseous fumigant through the bulk mass, differences between the temperature, T.sub.g, in the bulk mass and the ambient temperature, T.sub.a, outside the silo cause a "chimney effect" within the silo, and possible unwanted dilution of the fumigant. The chimney effect also occurs in other top-vented storage structures containing particulate commodities. To overcome the chimney effect, the fumigant-containing gas is supplied through a duct to the base of the storage structure at a flow rate Q.sub.f (in m.sup.3 sec.sup.1) determined by the relationship ##EQU1## where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m sec .sup.2); P.sub.a is the atmospheric pressure expressed in Pascals; R.sub.a is the gas constant for air (=287 J kg.sup.-1 K.sup.-1); T.sub.a is in K; T.sub.g is also in K; R is a resistance factor (in Pascals sec m.sup.

Abstract: Methyl iodide is employed as a structural fumigant for the effective control of soil borne and structural pests such as wood rotting fungi, arthropods such as insects and arachnids. Methyl iodide is employed in substantially the same manner as is customary for use of methyl bromide, and is at least as effective as methyl bromide when used in comparable amounts.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inantimate surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of producing a virus-safe biological preparation by heating while preserving a least 50% of its biologic activity, a biologially compatible tenside is added to the preparation before heating and heating is carried out in the presence of the same, whereupon the tenside, preferably, is eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber for use in a fumigation method to produce a fumigant gas mixture and supply it to a circulatory loop gas flow system gas. The chamber is adapted to receive fumigant gas generation device and includes:an inlet port controlled by an inlet valve,an outlet port controlled by an outlet valve,a flushing gas inlet controlled by a flushing gas inlet valve for connection to a source of inert gas,a vent valve, andaccess means openable for access to its interior from a position outside of the fumigation space.The chamber forms part of the loop gas flow system when connected to ends of a gas duct. The invention further relates to a method of fumigating a bulk commodity in an enclosed fumigation space wherein the fumigant gas mixture is generated in the chamber as well as to use of the chamber in such a fumigation method.

Abstract: A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and glycerol has been found to be a particularly effective composition as a preserving additive for raw materials, in particular foodstuffs. An organic acid, such as valeric acid, can be added to the mixture as stabiliser. By atomising the mixture, in combination with gentle shaking of the product to be treated in a device provided with means suitable for this purpose, an efficient treatment is effected with relatively low consumption of the preserving mixture. The shelf life of the products treated can be further increased by drying the surface thereof using sterile air.

Abstract: An in-situ method is disclosed for low pressure vaporization and recovery of contaminants from surface and near-surface soil by electrically heating the soil with a pattern of hollow electrodes and pulling a deep vacuum through the electrodes. The surface of the soil is sealed with an impermeable barrier supported by the soil. The contaminants are removed by vacuum distillation in the presence of water vapor at a temperature well below the normal boiling point of the contaminants.

Abstract: A fumigation tent comprises a frame that can be suspended from the roof of a dock building by support cables. The frame has an underside to which a tarp is mounted. The tarp hangs from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter. Horizontal pipes are attached to, and arranged along, the side curtains of the tent at spaced intervals between the bottom perimeter of the tent and the top of the tent. Winch cables attached at one end to clew plates draw up the horizontal pipes. The clew plates can accommodate several winch cables and are connected by winch chains to motorized winches which operate together so that the tent remains substantially level when it is raised and lowered. Rings, disposed around the winch cables and attached to the horizontal pipes, gather up and support the tarp as the tent is being raised. The rings cooperate with the horizontal pipes to collect the tarp into a plurality of small bagouts or overhanging portions.

Abstract: In a method of producing a virus-safe biological preparation by heating while preserving a least 50% of its biologic activity, a biologially compatible tenside is added to the preparation before heating and heating is carried out in the presence of the same, whereupon the tenside, preferably, is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-bacterial compositions comprising particular compounds, to the use of the compounds as anti-bacterial agents, to the preparation of therapeutic or medicinal compositions comprising the compounds and to a method of disinfecting matter including the step of treating matter with the compounds. The compounds are identified as peptides having a molecular weight of at least 5 kD, comprising at least 15% by number of residues of arginine, lysine, ornithine or a mixture thereof and at least 15% by number of residues of arginine, lysine, ornithine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan or a mixture thereof. Although the invention is described with reference to used in the fields of food and oral hygiene, the invention has particular utility in the field of household and/or industrial hygiene.

Abstract: An ozone containing gas is injected into soil, preferably substantially uniform in consistency, to kill biological life forms. A soil injector is used to inject ozone containing gas from an ozone supplier. In one embodiment, the ozone supplier is moved over the field by a structure such as a trailer or a vehicle. In another embodiment, a lattice arrangement of conduits is used to inject the ozone containing gas into the soil. The soil is optionally covered with a gas semipermeable or impermeable membrane subsequent to or prior to injection of the ozone containing as. In yet another embodiment, the soil is transferred to a chamber and subjected to in-vitro ozone treatment. In accordance with this invention, the soil is exposed to a sufficient concentration of ozone for a sufficient period of time such that the ozone oxidizes the impurities resulting in sanitization and a reduction of detrimental organisms.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the sterilization of refuse, in particular hospital refuse, is described, according to which plastic containers filled with the refuse are first introduced into a lock chamber in which a preparatory conveyor belt is arranged and thereafter the entire charge of the lock chamber is transferred to a sterilization chamber in which a main conveyor belt is arranged. The sterilization chamber is then hermetically sealed and injection needles are stuck into the respective containers to inject water and/or disinfectant into the interior of the respective plastic containers. The refuse is then treated with microwave energy and subsequently the charge in the sterilization chamber discharged via the discharge opening. With the method and the apparatus according to the invention it is always ensured that the refuse in the interior of the plastic containers is impregnated in adequate manner with water or a disinfectant, this being done before or during the microwave irradiation.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions and methods for sterilizing soil using oxygen radicals. The soil is treated with an aqueous solution of an activated oxygen species after pretreatment with a water soluble phenolic complex including a divalent cation having redox potential, a cation redox reducing agent. The combination of the activated oxygen species and water soluble phenolic complex is sufficient to reduce soil microorganisms by at least 40% without leaving an accumulative toxic residue.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and product made by said process, for conversion of organic waste sludges bearing potentially pathogenic bacteria, helminth ova and enteric virus into a non-odoriferous, non-pathogenic agricultural medium which is highly nutritious to plant life; which process includes: disinfecting the sludge by thoroughly mixing the organic sludge with an effective amount of at least one of a class of chemical compounds which form methyl-isothiocyanate ("MITC"), such as sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate in aqueous solution and increasing the pH of the sludge to substantially 12 or more for an effective length of time; and, conditioning the disinfected sludge with electrolytic soil additive, hydrophilic polymer, organic bulking agents and/or inorganic conditioning materials. The product of said process constitutes a composition highly beneficial as a plant growing medium, soil enriching additive and the like.

Abstract: A method and system of treating medical waste product materials that are contaminated with blood, urine and/or other bodily fluids is disclosed. Disinfecting and sterilizing such materials is accomplished through use of heat to deactivate catalase contained in the medical waste. The waste is then contacted with hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the waste.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and product made by said process, for conversion of organic waste sludges bearing potentially pathogenic bacteria into a non-odoriferous, non-pathogenic agricultural medium which is highly nutritious to plant life; which process includes: blending the organic sludge with an effective amount of at least one of a class of chemical compounds which form methyl isothiocyanate ("MITC") in aqueous solution, such as sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate; blending the MITC treated sludge with an effective amount of electrolytic soil additive; blending the MITC and soil conditioner treated sludge with an effective amount of a hydrophilic polymer, such as potassium polyacrylate; and, blending the MITC, soil electrolytic additive, hydrophilic polymer treated sludge with organic bulking agents and inorganic conditioning materials.

Abstract: According to a sheet material for eliminating methyl bromide obtained by forming an activated carbon-containing paper, spraying a solution of an amine compound to it or impregnating it with the solution, and drying it, it is accomplished to remove remaining methyl bromide after fumigating agricultural products with methyl bromide, and prevent damage to the agricultural products and emission thereof in the atmosphere, which are on the basis that methyl bromide kept in the agricultural products is gradually released and concentration thereof rises a high level in a container.

Abstract: A process is provided for the sterilization of the surface of a packaging material, e.g. a plastic coated board, by contacting such material with a hydrogen peroxide solution, wherein the hydrogen peroxide solution is modified by the addition thereto of a penetration-reducing amount of a penetration-reducing salt. The salt referred to is preferably an alkali metal salt, for instance, a sulphate or halogenide, such as sodium sulphate or sodium chloride. A composition is provided that is useful for carrying the sterilization process into effect, wherein a hydrogen peroxide solution is modified by the addition of a penetration-reducing amount of a penetration-reducing salt.

Abstract: Methyl iodide is employed as a soil fumigant for the effective control of plant pathogens, nematodes, bacteria and weeds. Methyl iodide is employed in substantially the same manner as is customary for use of methyl bromide, and is at least as effective as methyl bromide when used in comparable amounts.

Abstract: Unused methyl bromide from a fumigation cycle is captured by adsorption on a molecular sieve and recycled for reuse or recovery by desorption with hot gas without the need to purge the fumigation chamber with outside air. The loss of methyl bromide to the atmosphere is minimal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a microbicidal agent containing polymeric quaternary ammonium borate, obtained by simultaneous reaction of amines of the formula I or II ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 to R.sup.7 and A are as defined in the description, with 1 to 20 mol of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide and 0.6 to 1.5 mol of boric acid, boric acid esters or salts of boric acid, in each case per mole of nitrogen equivalent, as a preservative and/or disinfectant for industrial products and industrial plants.

Abstract: A method for plasma sterilization comprises exposing an article to be sterilized to a neutral active species of a plasma generated from a premixed gas mixture comprising oxygen, hydrogen, and a noble gas. The exposure of the article to the plasma is carried out at reduced pressures and a chamber temperature of less than 63.degree. C. for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization. The apparatus for plasma sterilization of articles comprises a plasma generator, a sterilizing chamber, and a source of pressurized gas mixture in fluid communication with the plasma generator. The source of pressurized gas mixture has a noble gas and a substantially nonflammable mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, which is preferably between about 2.0 to 2.4 (v/v) percent hydrogen and between 2.6 to 3.0 (v/v) percent oxygen.

Abstract: A method of degrading an organic nitrogen compound to its reduction products, in which the compound is caused to react with a reducing agent in the presence of a complex of a corrin containing a metal-centered ring system. Preferred complexes are cobalt-centered hydrolysis products of Vitamin B12, such as cobyrinic acid, and in one embodiment these complexes are immobilised on a substrate. Using the method environmental pollutants such as nitrobenzenes may be rapidly reduced.

Abstract: Organic and/or inorganic substances and water are thermally separated from contaminated materials, solid aggregates, the contaminated material is pretreated and is subsequently heated in a directly or indirectly heated furnace, which includes a rotary kiln, a fluidized bed furnace or a floating zone reactor, and during the heating the material is treated with recycled hot gases or recycled hot steam and with oxidizing agents. The exiting processing gases, which contain water vapor, are dedusted, and 80 to 90% by volume of the water vapor-containing processing gases are recycled to the furnace to act as entraining gas. The remaining water vapor-containing processing gases are condensed, the resulting liquid phase is withdrawn, and pollutants are removed from the withdrawn liquid phase by a wet chemical or physical processing.

Abstract: Material remediation apparatus includes a remediation drum through which materials, such as soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, are advanced from a feed end to a discharge end of the drum. A tube extending concentrically from the discharge end of the drum into the drum forms a combustion chamber. Materials being decontaminated advance through an annular space between the tube and the drum. The tube is axially first of converging and then of diverging shape, as viewed from the discharge end of the drum. A turbo burner injects combustible gases into the tube which are burned within the diverging shape of the tube. A portion of the burned gases reflow from the outlet of tube through the annular space to the discharge end of the drum. In a zone of the drum occupied by the tube materials are heated by conduction and radiation of energy passing through the wall of the tube as well as by convective heating from the reflow gases. Hot gases are exhausted from the drum at the feed end thereof.

Abstract: Articles and surfaces are disclosed having antimicrobial activity. Also disclosed are methods for treating surfaces and articles to confer antimicrobial activity. Such articles and surfaces are particularly adapted for food contact use, such as food preparation or packaging. Antimicrobial activity is conferred by applying molecules of a polypeptide bacteriocin, e.g., nisin, such as by contacting the surface or article with a liquid solution of a bacteriocin or bacteriocin mixture. The bacteriocin molecules are attached to the surface or article via any means enabling the molecules to subsequently detach and lethally interact with susceptible bacteria deposited on the treated surface or article. Such detached bacteriocin molecules can also kill susceptible bacteria present on foods or other substances that contact the surface or article. Attached bacteriocins are stable to drying, water rinsing, and freezing, even for long periods.

Abstract: A sterilization method is provided which includes the steps of measuring the pressure within a sterilization chamber injecting a sterilant vapor into a flow of carrier gas, introducing the sterilant vapor and carrier gas into and through a sterilization chamber, and adjusting the rate of sterilant vapor injection to reach a pre-determined percentage of saturation limit for the sterilant vapor in the chamber, immediately following the introduction of sterilant vapor and carrier gas into the chamber, in response to the measured pressure. The predetermined saturation limit is selected to optimize the rate of sterilization, while avoiding substantial condensation of the sterilant.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: Radiochemical sterilization is accomplished by exposing a sterilant gas releasing substrate to an effective gas releasing amount of ionizing radiation and contacting an object to be sterilized with the released sterilant gas. Objects to be sterilized may be subjected to a combination of ionizing radiation and gas sterilant which is released by the ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Waste materials containing pathogenic microorganisms may be processed by a method that includes granulating the waste material; treating the granulated waste material by heating at a temperature of about 160.degree. to about 200.degree. C. at a pressure of about 90 to about 226 psi in an atmosphere of the steam from a non-isotonic salt solution. The treatment is conducted for a period of time sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of pathogenic microorganisms present in the waste material. After treatment, the material is separated into useful solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: A method for removing fumigation gasses from fumigated structures is provided. Air is directed from a structure through an adsorption unit and then recirculated back into the structure. A fan directs air through the adsorption unit. The adsorption unit contains an annularly shaped adsorption bed and an inner passage way and outer passage way through which fumigation gasses are directed. A lower adsorption efficiency per pass through the adsorption bed is used in conjunction with multiple passes with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and a composition for disinfecting matter or materials such as medical instruments, operating rooms, examining tables, walls, windows, floors, solutions, porous substances and the like contaminated with bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, or viruses is disclosed. The composition consists of a mixture of a peroxymonosulfate and a carbonyl-containing compound and reaction products thereof and is preferably dioxirane formed by in situ oxidation of a ketone or aldehyde by the peroxymonosulfate in aqueous solution. Carbonyl-containing compounds that have been tested include acetone, 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and camphorsulfonic acid. The method includes providing a solution containing the dioxirane reaction mixture and contacting the matter or materials with it at room temperature for a time sufficient to disinfect and sterilize the matter or materials.

Abstract: A method for fumigating an enclosed structure includes release of sufficient phosphine into the enclosed structure to maintain an average concentration of between about 50 ppm and 500 ppm phosphine. Concurrently, sufficient carbon dioxide is released into the enclosed structure to maintain an average concentration of between about 4% and 10% carbon dioxide, and a temperature of between about 30 degrees Celsius to about 40 degrees Celsius is maintained in the enclosed structure to enhance fumigation effectiveness.

Abstract: Various kinds of used and potentially infectious medical articles such as injection needles are first crushed into pieces to such an extent that the shape of the articles can not be visually identified. Subsequently, the crushed medical articles and particulate absorbent are introduced into a mixer and mixed and heated therein to a temperature above 180.degree. C. by use of a heater in combination with frictional heat generated as the mixer blade is rotated, whereby the crushed infectious medical waste articles are completely sterilized. The particulate absorbent serves to absorb any unpleasant odor or toxic gas which is generated from the crushed infectious medical articles during heating. In such manner, sterilization of the crushed infectious medical appliances and absorption of the toxic gas can simultaneously be achieved, and moreover, the resultant sterile admixture can be used as an aggregate for construction material such as concrete.

Abstract: Material remediation apparatus includes a remediation drum through which materials, such as soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, are advanced from a feed end to a discharge end of the drum. A tube extending concentrically from the discharge end of the drum into the drum forms a combustion chamber. Materials being decontaminated advance through an annular space between the tube and the drum. The tube is axially first of converging and then of diverging shape, as viewed from the discharge end of the drum. A turbo burner injects combustible gases into the tube which are burned within the diverging shape of the tube. A portion of the burned gases reflow from the outlet of tube through the annular space to the discharge end of the drum. In a zone of the drum occupied by the tube materials are heated by conduction and radiation of energy passing through the wall of the tube as well as by convective heating from the reflow gases. Hot gases are exhausted from the drum at the feed end thereof.