Analysis of Gases Produced During PlasmaTtreatment of Surfaces Contaminated with Chemical and Biological Agent Simulants
EMSL Project ID
1720
Abstract
nnovaTek, Inc. is developing a portable, hand-held plasma flare gun that generates a corona plasma discharge for surface decontamination. The plasma flare generates a corona discharge that operates at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. The device will employ a high frequency, high voltage, corona plasma to create active species that destroy or detoxify chemical and biological weapons materials. The active plasma species generated by this device are brought into contact with a contaminated surface to effectively break down both chemical and biological contaminants. The scientific objectives associated with the proposed project are to evaluate how effectively the plasma flare gun can eradicate chemical and biological agent simulants on a surface and determine the effects of the plasma treatment on the surface itself. A more detailed list of objectives follows: 1. Determine if the plasma treatment process adversely affects the treated surface. 2. Determine if the plasma treatment process eradicates the chemical simulants. 3. Determine if any intermediate hazardous chemicals formed during the treatment process that remain on the surface. 4. Determine if any hazardous off-gases are generated during the treatment of surfaces contaminated with chemical simulants. The major steps necessary to reach the objectives are listed below. 1. All material samples will be inoculated in InnovaTek's laboratory. 2. Plasma treatment of all material samples will be performed in InnovaTek's laboratory. 3. Material samples will be transported to the EMSL for analysis. 4. Off-gas samples will be collected by InnovaTek personnel in InnovaTek's laboratory during the treatment process. These gas samples will be drawn into storage bags and transported to the EMSL for analysis.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2000-04-01
End Date
2003-04-13
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator