Abstract: This invention concerns a hydrogen peroxide sterilization device, with injection of hydrogen peroxide vapour, provided with a vaporizer that feeds a sterilization chamber, with a dose that varies in function of the control performed by a computer or control unit. The vaporizer works with a pressure inferior to the atmospheric one and is heated by an electrical resistance heater, or by micro-waves. All the vaporization process is made in vacuum, by heat or ultra-sounds. The filling of the sterilant agent is made drop-by-drop by a capillary tube which transforms the liquid into a pulverized gas. The computer controls the electrical valve following the dosing pump from the pressure and/or temperature information that comes from various pressure and/or temperature sensors, whereby the pressure inside the chamber is maintained during the sterilization process in a constant predefined value, appropriate to use simple cellulose-base paper or paper composed to the packaging of the devices.

Abstract: Synergistic mixtures of haloamines and their use to control the growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems are disclosed. The method of using the synergistic mixtures entails adding an effective amount of a monohaloamine and an effective amount of a dihaloamine to an aqueous system.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using chlorine dioxide gas for the fumigation of building spaces, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC, e.g., return supply ducts, heating and cooling coils and the like), vehicles, office spaces, process equipment, files, documents, mail, mail processing equipment, industrial process equipment and consumer related items under safe conditions.

Abstract: A decontamination system suitable for decontaminating items of medical equipment such as endoscopes, the system comprising: (I) a plurality of pre-clean wipes comprising moist fabric members for wiping an item to be decontaminated; (II) a two-part sterilant system comprising: (a) a first part comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium; and (b) a second part which is miscible with the first part and which comprises a second reagent in a carrier medium; wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react when mixed to provide a sterilising composition; the first part being contained in a dispenser (2) whereby it may be dispensed as a fluid, and the second part being absorbed or impregnated in a plurality of sterilising wipes (18) each of which comprises a fabric member in a sealed container (20); and (III) a plurality of rinse wipes, each rinse wipe comprising a moist, sterile, fabric member in its own sealed container (40).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to dry the hands of individuals. The system may include a pedestal, an air pedal and powder pedal hinged to the pedestal, a chamber having a dome connected to a shroud to define a chamber interior. The chamber interior may be divided into a first divided area, a second divided, and an overhead area that connects the first divided area to the second divided area. Each dived area may include a perforated tube to deliver pressurized air and powder into the chamber interior. An air compressor may be connected directly to the perforated tubes and connected to a powder chamber. In addition to pressurized air being delivered to the chamber interior, powder optionally may be delivered to the chamber interior.

Abstract: A composition for anti-microbial effect in a water system such as a pulp and paper processing line with an aqueous slurry. The composition comprises a free chlorine-generating biocide comprising a chlorine source, urea, and an alkali in a concentration sufficient to provide a pH greater than 10, and typically at least pH 11.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosage before being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing medical waste is provided. The apparatus includes: (i) a drum defining a substantially cylindrical treatment chamber having a closed end and a substantially open end, wherein the drum is rotationally balanced about a rotational axis; (ii) an enclosing body supporting the drum so that the drum can be rotated within the body about the rotational axis of the drum, the body having an opening for accessing the open end of the drum, wherein the opening is located substantially in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum; (iii) a movable barrier for selectively closing the opening for accessing the open end of the drum; (iv) a structure for supporting the enclosing body so that the pitch of the rotational axis of the drum is positioned or can be positioned in at least one position between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for achieving microbiological control, especially using active sources that generate hypochlorous acid vapor with reduced levels of chlorine vapor. These methods are effective in confined spaces and sealed containers. The active sources may be contained within permeable containers and may be actively dispersed. The active sources may be in the form of solids, liquids or gels.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A method and a reaction apparatus which can safely and continuously treat/discharge especially a short object is treated without any direct contact with a gas atmosphere, and which surely/efficiently treats the object with a gas without any uneven treatment. A short object A to be treated is put in a hermetically sealed cylindrical treatment section 1. In the treatment section 1, the object is held in a predetermined position by a first operation piece 11 to be treated with a gas for a predetermined time. Then, the holding by the first operation piece is released to move the object A by a desired distance. Subsequently, the object is held in a predetermined position by a second operation piece 12 to be treated again with the gas for a predetermined time, and then a treated object A1 is discharged. This discharged treated object A1 is conveyed to the outside of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to particulate forms of carrier materials containing an oxidant, especially hypohalite or hypohalous acid, especially a dry particulate form of dilute or concentrated hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid compositions. The invention also relates to uses for these particles, such as for generating hypochlorous acid vapor to control the growth of mold or bacteria, to deactivate allergens and allergen causing agents, and to control odors.

Abstract: A decontaminating device and method that decontaminates residue on and from footwear and other surfaces, configured as two basins with a decontaminating formulation in one basin and a deactivating formulation in the other basin. Footwear may be decontaminated while being worn, and this invention may be used to decontaminate for chemical residues, radiological residues, body fluids, and microorganisms.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).

Abstract: A device and method for sanitizing and deodorizing including the selective transportation of a sanitizing composition by the capillary action of a wick to an acidic composition which may be held in a reservoir, or which also may be selectively transported through the capillary action of a wick to the reservoir.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Processes for biofilm or microorganism growth control in an aqueous system such as a pulp, paper or board manufacturing system are described in which a halogenated hydantoin is added to the aqueous system in combination with haloamine, chlorine dioxide or a combination thereof. The halogenated hydantoin is preferably a fully or partially halogenated dialkyl hydantoin, and more preferably 5,5-dimethyl hydantoin or 5-methyl-5-ethyl hydantoin. The haloamine is preferably a monohaloamine, dihaloamine, trihaloamine, or a combination thereof, and more preferably monochloramine, monobromamine, bromochloroamine or a combination thereof. The halogenated hydantoin is preferably added to the aqueous system in portions of the system susceptible to gas phase corrosion, such as the short loop of the system, and the haloamine and chlorine dioxide are preferably added to other portions of the system.

Abstract: A biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: A system for providing a chemical to a stream of a fluid. The system includes an elongate member with the chemical therein and moveable through the fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid. Optionally, the elongate member may be unwound from a first reel to a second reel through the stream of fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid.

Abstract: An improved singlet oxygen generator (SOG) and method of using gas phase electronically excited states of oxygen for bio-medical and chemical treatment applications are disclosed. According to the invention, both gas phase O2(1?) and O2(1?) are used for medical treatment, sterilization, and deactivation of biological and chemical agents, including diseased tissue and biological and chemical weapons. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, portable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, may use gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The SOG is capable of operating within a short distance of the target site for the electronically excited states of oxygen, which are delivered to the target site via a conduit. The SOG and delivery system provide higher yields of electronically excited oxygen with longer lifetimes suitable for bio-medical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the biological acidification of water which is in contact with materials containing sulfur in reduced form or with elemental sulfur, susceptible to oxidation on the part of Thiobacilli, comprising putting said materials in contact with soluble inorganic salts at concentrations ranging from 0.4 normal to saturation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that prevents the development of infection and biofilm establishment in medical devices in general, and in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), including Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI). The system comprises of a medical device (such as a catheter) and an antimicrobial composition containing an antimicrobial compound. A medical device delivers the composition both to the inside and/or outside portions of the device, as well as to the inside of the bladder itself and to the urethra. Reduction or elimination of the infection may be accomplished by irrigating the medical device, bathing the bladder, or irrigating the bladder with the composition.

Abstract: Processes for effecting biocidal activity in subterranean oil and gas wells being drilled, completed, worked over or produced are described. In general the process comprises blending with aqueous well fluid a biocidally-effective amount of a sulfamate stabilized, bromine-based biocide. Compositions comprised of aqueous well fluid blended with such aqueous biocides are also described.

Abstract: A hand-washing method using an antimicrobial liquid hand soap which includes: (a) water; (b) a primary hand soap composition; (c) a biocide; and (d) a glutinous surfactant having a relative contact angle value with water of at least about +10° with respect to the primary hand soap composition. The glutinous surfactant is present in an amount effective to alter the tactile properties of the primary soap composition to promote longer and more thorough hand washing by eliciting a response to the soap's feel on the skin.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to compositions and method of producing diluted hypohalous acid and hypohalous acid vapor. These compositions can be used to treat allergen containing surfaces, hard surfaces, food contact surfaces, hospital surfaces, food surfaces, kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, human surfaces, animal surfaces, children's items, outdoor surfaces, soft surfaces, and medical instruments. These compositions can be converted to solid particulate or granular compositions. These compositions can be put into a variety of containers which preserve the stability. These compositions can be used to treat allergens and molds and as part of a mold detection system. These compositions can be dispersed into the air to enable microbiological control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A method for reducing a production of a build-up slime in a papermaking process is provided. The method includes steps of adding a dispersing agent into the papermaking material to obtain a first mixture, mixing and culturing the first mixture, adding an antagonist into the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, mixing and culturing the second mixture for reducing the production of the slime, and re-adding the antagonist into the mixed and cultured second mixture after a specific time period for further reducing the production of the slime.

Abstract: This invention, in addition to both more adequate disinfection effect and more adequate cleaning effect, offers a better electrolyzed alkaline water production unit and a better electrolyzed alkaline water production method in terms of storage stability before use or safety in comparison with strong alkaline solution. An alkaline water sterilizer 100 produces electrolyzed alkaline water by electrolyzing tap water which is neutral water by an electrolyzed alkaline water production unit 100a. Then, the electrolyzed alkaline water thus produced is electrolyzed by a hypochlorite water production unit 100b to produce hypochlorous acid by electrolysis and hypochlorite water having a pH value of at least 10 or more is produced as alkaline sterilizing water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for flushing particle bearing filter beds located in a circuit or linear water treatment plant for sterilization and decontamination of the filter beds. The filter can be charged with a chlorine-oxide-containing, chlorine-dioxide-containing, halogen-containing, and/or peroxide-containing aqueous solution. A solution acts on the deposits of the particle-type filter bed such that the bed can be subsequently flushed with water and/or an aqueous medium for removal of the process caused reaction product and any residual chlorine oxides or halogens or peroxides.

Abstract: A two part biocide composition containing metal ions and bromine donor for killing microorganisms in a body of water and a method of killing microorganisms in a body of water by placing both metal ions and a bromine in the body of water to allow use of lower concentrations of bromine than if bromine were used alone as a biocide.

Abstract: An automatic, self-regulating method of water treatment for use in water circulating towers in which water is evaporated, and make up water is added, with components which synergistically function to cut chemical, energy, water, corrosion, pollution, and maintenance costs, by passing the water through a Water Conditioning unit to prevent adhering evaporation scale deposits along with their content of concentrated biofouling nutrients from forming on the flooded surfaces of the tower and its associated water flow circuit, adding a trace level of iodine to the input make-up water to enhance the further disinfection of nutrient-deprived surfaces from any residual biofllm and chance pathogen contaminations, and adding a trace level addition of zinc ions in the water such as by an assured treatment feeder to the input make-up flow for inhibiting residual iodine-resistant algal and bacterial organisms of hazard for restoring bionutrient tower conditions, such as within sun-lit environments, and apparatus for carryi

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.

Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.

Abstract: A method of treating chloraminated water by adding copper ions is disclosed. The addition of copper ions inhibits microbial action in the water, thus reducing nitrification of ammonia and maintaining chloramine levels.

Abstract: Remediation methods in response to a biological attack address treatment of goods (e.g., mail items), vehicle interiors, facilities, and personal protective equipment. The treatment of mail involves segregation of mail items by size and the organization and packaging of the segregated mail items for exposure to accelerated electron beam irradiation. Vehicle interiors are cleaned in a suitable decontamination area with a bleach solution. Facilities are separated into an exclusion zone, adjacent contamination reduction zone, and adjacent support zone. Persons enter the exclusion zone wearing personal protective equipment, exit the exclusion zone and enter the contamination reduction zone, and de-contaminate their personal protective equipment in the contamination reduction zone utilizing a bleach solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of articles or areas contaminated with one or more pathogens. Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that can be used to decontaminate an environment, for example a room, building, or articles contaminated with a pathogen.

Abstract: Methods for remediating mold and mildew are provided using acidic electrolyzed water. Acidic electrolyzed A water, electrolyzed C water or combination of electrolyzed A and C water is released into an infected area through a high pressure sprayer, a mister or an electrostatic sprayer. Upon contacting the infected area, mold and mildew growing in the infected area is remedied.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for sanitizing objects, particularly food products such as fruits and vegetables. The system includes two or more tanks for generation and storage of chlorine dioxide. The system provides for the simultaneous use and generation of chlorine dioxide so that the system avoids undesired down-time.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the slow, generally uniform addition of a disinfectant solution comprising an active ingredient, such as chlorine, to achieve a substantially constant level of active ingredient in the liquid of a grey water reservoir of a residential septic tank system prior to dispersal. A container configured to reside in a standard chlorine tablet dispenser is filled with a disinfectant solution, which contains a disinfecting substance as an active ingredient. A drip-valve is used to regulate the drip flow of the disinfecting solution out of the container and into the grey water reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.

Abstract: Lecithin and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (BNPD) are used to inhibit corrosion in boiler steam condensate systems. Aqueous steam condensate corrosion inhibiting compositions of these components are also disclosed. BNPD is also used as a preservative in lecithin containing and in other GRAS additive containing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the removal of biofilm, flocculent bulked sludge or bulked biologically active sludge from an aqueous system. The method involves adding one or more chlorinated hydantoins, such as dichloro- or monochlorodialkylhydantoin, to the aqueous system. Alternatively, the chlorinated hydantoin may be formed in situ by adding a chlorine source and an alkylated hydantoin separately to the aqueous system. The invention is particularly advantageous because of the outstanding photostability of the chlorinated hydantoin solutions even when exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosagebefore being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.

Abstract: A method for making a web having a metal-ion sequestering agent and treating a liquid using the web. The method of making the web includes electrostatically providing at least one metal-ion sequestering agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The web can be used to tread a liquid by placing the web into a tank and subjecting the liquid to the web.

Abstract: A process reduces the microbial content in land mass by providing molecular iodine in the land mass in a concentration in aqueous material in the land mass of at least 10 parts per million. The molecular iodine may be added in gaseous or liquid or solid state, and may be formed in situ in the land mass using available water in the reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a biocide having improved durability of its biocidal activity as well as disinfection efficiency at an initial stage, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing stabilized alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite having a pH at least 11 by mixing a chlorine oxidant including alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite with a stabilizer in an alkali solution; (b) preparing a bromide ion source; and (c) adding the bromide ion source prepared in step (b) into the stabilized alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite prepared in step (a). Also, a method of controlling the growth of microorganisms using a biocide prepared by the method of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for a cleaning-in-place system is described. The composition has a halogen dioxide and a optionally hydroxide and does not require the use of a detergent to display excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties on processing equipment such as the equipment found in breweries, dairy plants and carbonated beverage plants.