Decontamination System Utilizing Hydrogen Peroxide, UV Light and Catalytic Surfaces.

摘要

A decontamination process utilizing condensing 50% hydrogen peroxide vapor and 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light was tested in the laboratory utilizing several agent simulants. The UV light photolyzes hydrogen peroxide, producing hydroxyl radicals which react rapidly with most organic molecules. The rate of reaction is determined mostly by the solubility of the agent simulant in the water-like hydrogen peroxide condensate. The insecticide Dimethoate, a simulant for Agent VX, is effectively destroyed due to relatively high water solubility. Phenyl half-mustard and Malathion are much less soluble in water, and only partial decontamination was achieved. Material damage is a major concern. Several conformal coatings and two paint systems were tested. Some performed well, but others failed rapidly.