Controlling microbiological contamination is a major concern in many controlled environments. Pharmaceutical, hospital and biotechnology sectors implement strict procedures to limit the presence of micro-organisms on surfaces and equipment.
In this context, airborne surface disinfection (DSVA) is used as a terminal decontamination method. Processes using hydrogen peroxide (VH₂O₂) now play an important role in certain biodecontamination strategies.
Why biodecontamination is essential in controlled environments
In controlled environments, cleaning procedures and microbiological monitoring aim to limit the presence of micro-organisms. Biodecontamination may complement these measures in certain situations.
Control of microbiological contamination
Cleanrooms and laboratories are designed to limit the introduction and dispersion of contaminants. Despite these controls, micro-organisms may still be present on surfaces, equipment or materials introduced into the area. Microbiological control strategies are therefore implemented to monitor and limit such contamination.
The role of terminal decontamination
Terminal decontamination generally takes place after cleaning operations. It aims to reduce microbiological contamination present in a space before certain operations or before returning an area to service. This step may complement cleaning procedures in environments where contamination control requirements are high.
DSVA: an automated decontamination method
DSVA relies on the diffusion of a decontamination agent into the air of a closed volume. This approach makes it possible to treat the surfaces present in the area through airborne distribution.
Principle of airborne surface disinfection
Airborne surface disinfection consists of diffusing an agent into the air so that it spreads throughout the volume to be treated. The agent can then come into contact with the surfaces present in the area. This method is used to complement certain cleaning operations in controlled environments.
The stages of a DSVA cycle
A DSVA cycle generally includes several phases. A first step allows the diffusion of the agent into the area to be treated. A contact phase then follows to allow the agent to act on the surfaces. Finally, an aeration phase reduces the concentration of the agent in the air before the area is reused.
The role of hydrogen peroxide (VH₂O₂)
In certain biodecontamination processes, hydrogen peroxide is used as the decontamination agent. It can be diffused as vapor or dry fog within a closed volume.
VH₂O₂ in biodecontamination processes
Hydrogen peroxide is used in several decontamination technologies. In DSVA processes, it can be diffused into the air in order to treat the surfaces present in the area. This diffusion makes it possible to cover the entire volume to be treated.
Diffusion of VH₂O₂ in a closed volume
When VH₂O₂ is diffused into the air, it can reach different surfaces present in the environment. This approach may allow treatment of certain areas that are difficult to access during manual cleaning. Cycle parameters can be controlled in order to reproduce similar treatment conditions.
Why DSVA with VH₂O₂ has become widely used
DSVA processes using hydrogen peroxide are now used in several controlled environments. They are integrated into certain microbiological contamination control strategies.
Automation of decontamination cycles
DSVA systems generally allow decontamination cycles to be programmed and controlled. This automation facilitates the implementation of the process in certain environments. It can also help reproduce cycles under similar conditions.
Process reproducibility
In environments subject to microbiological requirements, process reproducibility can be important. DSVA systems make it possible to control various cycle parameters. This process control may help ensure the consistency of decontamination cycles.
In which environments is DSVA used?
DSVA can be used in different contexts where microbiological contamination control is important. This technology is integrated into certain decontamination strategies implemented in controlled environments.
Cleanrooms and the pharmaceutical industry
In cleanrooms, environmental conditions are strictly controlled in order to limit the presence of particles and micro-organisms. Biodecontamination processes may complement cleaning procedures in certain situations. The pharmaceutical industry also uses decontamination technologies in specific environments.
Laboratories and hospital environments
Laboratories may use airborne decontamination technologies to treat certain spaces or equipment. In some hospital contexts, these processes may complement cleaning operations in order to reduce microbiological contamination present on surfaces.
Need information about Solidfog biodecontamination solutions?
Airborne decontamination technologies are among the solutions used for biodecontamination in controlled environments. The systems developed by Solidfog follow this approach and address the needs of sectors where contamination control is essential.
If you would like more information about the available solutions or wish to discuss your project, our team can assist you.