Airborne Surface Disinfection relies on the diffusion of a decontamination agent within a closed volume. For the process to remain consistent, the room must provide an appropriate level of airtightness and sufficient containment.
These conditions make it possible to maintain the agent within the area throughout the entire cycle and limit exchanges with the outside environment. The airtightness of the volume and control of airflows are therefore key elements to consider when implementing ASD in a controlled environment.
Why airtightness is essential for ASD
ASD involves diffusing a decontamination agent into the air of a closed volume in order to treat the surfaces present in the area. If the room is not sufficiently airtight, part of the product may escape outside and alter the cycle conditions.
In controlled environments, rooms are generally designed to limit exchanges with the outside. However, certain elements can create leakage points, such as doors, technical penetrations or interfaces between rooms. Checking these elements is therefore an important step before implementing ASD.
The role of containment of the treated volume
Containment complements the concept of airtightness. It helps maintain the decontamination agent within the area throughout the entire cycle and control air exchanges with the outside environment.
Limiting air exchanges with the outside
During an ASD cycle, air circulation must remain controlled. Uncontrolled airflow can cause the product to disperse outside the room or modify its distribution within the treated area. This situation may affect the consistency of the treatment. In some environments, ventilation systems must be analysed before decontamination. Their configuration can influence air exchanges between the treated room and surrounding areas.
Maintaining homogeneous diffusion within the room
When the volume is properly contained, the decontamination agent can spread throughout the entire room. This airborne diffusion allows different surfaces within the area to be reached. However, the configuration of the room can influence this distribution. The presence of equipment or internal structures may alter air circulation within the treated volume.
Verification points before an ASD cycle
Before starting a decontamination cycle, several elements of the room must be checked to ensure that airtightness and containment conditions are compatible with the process.
Inspection of openings and penetrations
Doors, technical hatches or cable penetrations may create leakage areas. Before an ASD cycle, these elements must be identified and properly closed according to site procedures. In some cases, temporary sealing devices may be used to limit air exchanges at these sensitive points.
Management of ventilation and airflow
Ventilation systems present in controlled environments may influence air exchanges within the room. Their operation must be analysed before decontamination in order to avoid airflow that is incompatible with the cycle. Depending on the site configuration, some systems may be temporarily stopped or adjusted during ASD.
Preparing rooms for ASD
Room preparation is an important step before implementing a decontamination cycle. It helps ensure that the conditions of the treated volume match the parameters defined for the process.
The organisation of the space can also influence the diffusion of the product in the air. Surfaces and equipment should remain accessible so that the diffused agent can circulate throughout the entire volume.
Why rely on Solidfog’s expertise
Implementing ASD requires a good understanding of the conditions of the treated room. Airtightness, containment and volume preparation can all influence how the cycle proceeds.
Expertise dedicated to biodecontamination
Solidfog develops solutions specialised in airborne decontamination. The company focuses its expertise on processes using hydrogen peroxide and on their application in controlled environments. This technical approach supports projects involving the implementation or use of ASD cycles.
Solutions adapted to regulated environments
Solidfog systems are used in contexts where contamination control is essential, such as cleanrooms, laboratories and certain pharmaceutical facilities. These environments require particular attention to cycle parameters and to the conditions of the treated volume.
Implementing ASD under the right conditions
Room airtightness and volume containment are among the elements to consider when implementing ASD. These conditions help maintain the cycle parameters and ensure treatment consistency within the area.