Bioquell chooses gas sensors from Analytical Technology

Published: 10-Dec-2010

Form part of Q-10 hydrogen peroxide vapour bio-decontamination system

Bioquell has chosen electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) gas sensors from specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology to form part of its hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) bio-decontamination system.

The Bioquell Q-10 system effectively and safely bio-decontaminates rooms, equipment and electronic devices in hospital environments, eradicating bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a portable HPV system that uses H2O2 vapour to disinfect potentially contaminated areas in the fight against ‘superbugs’.

Analytical Technology’s electrochemical gas sensors help to optimise the HPV concentration to achieve surface sterilisation in the target area during the bio-decontamination process and ensure that Bioquell’s Q-10 system has returned the target area to a safe HPV level prior to re-entry.

Bioquell’s system provides safe and repeatable sterilisation of hospital environments making HPV an effective replacement to traditional decontaminants such as formaldehyde, which has been banned for use in a number of European countries due to its carcinogenic nature.

One of the benefits of this new treatment is that it can be safely used on sensitive equipment and electronics that are incompatible with chlorine-based products such as bleach. The process is also 'residue-free', breaking down to water vapour and oxygen. As a result, Bioquell’s system can be used on a daily basis in fully functioning hospitals to decontaminate patient rooms and other units in less than two hours depending on the room size, materials and starting environmental conditions.

Bioquell has been working with Analytical Technology to integrate a replaceable sensor into the Bioquell Q-10, removing the need for more expensive sensors that require regular checks and maintenance. They also developed a unique protocol for calibrating the sensors using H2O2.

Oliver Cumberlege, head of research and development at Bioquell, said: “Bioquell was looking for a cost-effective H2O2 measurement cell to integrate into our sensor package.

“Working with Analytical Technology allowed us to add features to increase its sensitivity and response time and develop a package to a price whereby it is more cost-effective to replace the complete unit rather than re-calibrate.”

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