Applications of Disinfection for 2B Tech's 108-L Ozone Monitor

The integration of Model 108-L into the STERISAFE PRO system involves utilizing fumigations with elevated levels of gas-phase ozone for surface disinfection and the eradication of viruses and bacteria. The incorporated relay, coupled with the extensive measurement range of Model 108-L (0-100 ppm), enables the instrument to fulfill two essential roles in the disinfection procedure. It can monitor the elevated ozone concentrations required for effective disinfection and also track low ozone levels to ascertain when safe levels are restored at the conclusion of the fumigation process.

The Challenge:

The onset of the Coronavirus pandemic has compelled businesses, governmental entities, and healthcare providers to devise innovative sanitation protocols, prioritizing the health and safety of their workforce and the general populace. The effectiveness of sanitation methods has become crucial in curbing the virus's spread. Conventional approaches like disinfecting wipes, sprays, and UV light treatments have limitations, including incomplete disinfection of room surfaces, labor-intensive application processes, and the potential presence of residual toxic chemicals post-cleaning. The escalating demand for heightened sanitation in indoor spaces during the pandemic has underscored the need for a disinfection process that is not only effective and efficient but also leaves no trace.

Gas-phase ozone has emerged as a prominent disinfection solution in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. Ozone's chemical properties enable it to combat various viruses and bacteria effectively. When applied in conjunction with high humidity, ozone proves highly adept at cleansing all room surfaces, reaching even hard-to-access cracks and crevices. Ozone acts as a catalytic disinfectant, leaving no chemical residue once the sterilization process concludes.

However, the use of ozone presents its own challenges. Elevated ozone concentrations in the air pose toxicity risks to humans. Consequently, a room must be entirely vacated and sealed to generate a sufficiently high ozone concentration, ensuring the destruction of viruses and bacteria. Following the ozone treatment, it becomes imperative to monitor when ozone concentrations have reduced to safe levels, permitting occupants to re-enter the room. Continuous ozone monitoring throughout the entire disinfection process is essential to meet these conditions.

The Resolution:

Recognizing the paramount importance of ensuring the health and safety of their clients, STERISAFE ApS, a European ozone generator manufacturer, made the strategic decision to integrate a UV-absorbance-based ozone monitor into their disinfection system. After a comprehensive assessment of various ozone monitors, STERISAFE opted to integrate the 2B Technologies' Model 108-L Ozone Monitor into their disinfection system. The standard version of the Model 108-L, lacking a pump, represents the most basic configuration. To facilitate seamless integration into their product, the STERISAFE PRO, 2B Technologies developed a customized version of the Model 108-L. This tailored version included a sheet metal enclosure to safeguard against electromagnetic interference, enhancing the instrument's overall performance. Additionally, the introduction of a pump to the Model 108-L transformed the customized ozone monitor into an all-inclusive package, eliminating the need for the STERISAFE PRO to provide a continuous flow of ozone gas to the instrument.

Finally, the ozone disinfection process utilized by the STERISAFE PRO requires elevated levels of relative humidity. As part of the integration, an external Nafion assembly is affixed to the inlet of the Model 108-L, aiding the instrument in adapting to fluctuating humidity conditions. The external Nafion assembly enables the instrument to mitigate any potential interference from water vapor in ozone measurements by equalizing the relative humidity between the reference and sample measurement cycles in the ozone monitor. This distinctive feature of 2B Tech instruments sets them apart; unlike other compact UV-absorption ozone monitors that do not employ Nafion, they encounter substantial interference in high relative humidity conditions.

The Role of the 2B Tech Instrument:

As mentioned earlier, the Model 108-L is seamlessly integrated into the STERISAFE PRO to monitor ozone throughout the entire disinfection process. With its integrated relay and extensive measurement range (0-100 ppm), this single instrument serves two crucial functions in the disinfection procedure. The upper limit of the measurement range enables the 108-L to notify STERISAFE when ozone concentrations reach a level sufficient for effective sterilization. Meanwhile, the lower limit of the measurement range allows the 108-L to identify when ozone concentrations have decreased to a safe level post-disinfection, allowing individuals to re-enter the treated area. The diverse data outputs provided by the Model 108-L (RS232, 4-20 mA, 0-2.5 V) facilitated STERISAFE in integrating ozone monitor data with diagnostic information from their generator. This integration enables customers to effortlessly monitor the performance of all aspects of the STERISAFE PRO.

In Summary:

The Model 108-L proves to be an ideal choice for integration with an ozone generator in applications requiring highly precise ozone measurements. This instrument features a two-level relay that serves either control or alarm purposes. For instance, users can program the relay with a designated ozone set point, allowing it to deactivate an ozone generator if the measured concentration surpasses the specified threshold or activate the generator if concentrations drop below the set point. Leveraging the relay in this manner optimizes the efficiency of an ozone generator. Alternatively, the relay can control an external alarm or warning light using a similar approach.

The Model 108-L is available for order with the pump/enclosure configuration, as utilized in the STERISAFE application, or without the pump in a truly basic configuration (standard version). Additionally, it can be acquired in a weatherproof/NEMA enclosure as part of the AQLite monitoring package. Many customers are now harnessing the monitoring capabilities of the 108-L for ambient ozone monitoring applications. Recognizing its high accuracy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency designates the Model 108-L as a Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) for monitoring ambient ozone. This recognition has led to its integration into a mobile monitoring project (explained in another Application Note) and inclusion in our innovative AQLite Monitoring Package. The AQLite seamlessly combines ozone measurements from the 108-L with meteorological measurements (T, P, RH) and sensor-based measurements for Particulate Matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

Whether part of an ambient air quality monitoring system or a component of an industrial ozone disinfection package, the Model 108-L is well-suited for the task. To explore the application of the Model 108-L in your specific scenario, please reach out to 2B Technologies today.