Patent ID: 7790104
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
1. A method of decontaminating an enclosed space, the method comprising the steps of: positioning an apparatus within an enclosed space having an atmosphere, the apparatus including a structure at least partially bounding a compartment, the structure having a plurality of spaced apart openings that communicate between the compartment and the atmosphere within the enclosed space, a flash evaporator chamber being disposed within the compartment of the structure, the flash evaporator chamber having an exterior surface that is freely exposed to the atmosphere within the enclosed space by way of the plurality of spaced apart openings; creating a recirculating heated airstream within the enclosed space by the apparatus performing the following: progressively introducing a hydrogen peroxide and water vapour mixture into the recirculating heated airstream until the atmosphere within the enclosed space reaches a dew point that causes the hydrogen peroxide and water vapour mixture within the atmosphere to simultaneously and continuously condense onto substantially all exposed surfaces bounding or within the enclosed space so as to decontaminate the surfaces, the hydrogen peroxide and water vapour mixture passing through the plurality of openings of the structure to condense on the exterior surface of the flash evaporation chamber, the hydrogen peroxide and water vapour mixture being produced by flash evaporating within the flash evaporation chamber an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, the step of progressively introducing the hydrogen peroxide and water vapour mixture into the recirculating heated airstream being performed by the apparatus that is disposed within the enclosed space.