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Design and evaluation of a system for thermal decontamination of process air
Author(s) -
Chatigny M. A.,
Sarshad A. A.,
Pike G. F.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260120402
Subject(s) - human decontamination , environmental science , waste management , aerobiology , airflow , spore , engineering , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , mechanical engineering
Aerobiology studies at the Naval Biological Laboratory require use of a vacuum system to provide safe disposal of air contaminated with pathogenic, microorganisms. A system for thermal decontamination of this process air has been installed and tested. The system uses a natural gas burner to heat approximately 550 cfm of air to temperatures exceeding 750°F. Tests showed a reduction in number of acrosolized viable hardy spores ( Bacillus subtilis var. niger ) of more than 8 logs at design flow rates. The kill rate (D values) measured in this system is somewhat higher than those reported by other workers. The annual owning and operating cost of the system is approximately $9000.