Nonflammable alcohol vapor in CO2
Nonflammable alcohol vapor in CO2 (NAV-CO2) systems use carbon dioxide (CO2) as a propellant to dispense a 56% isopropyl alcohol solution in a stream of CO2 gas. The use of CO2 as a propellant serves to displace ambient oxygen and eliminate the risk of explosion.
Application
Alcohol is a wide spectrum disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses through denaturation. NAV-CO2 allow alcohol to be used safely in an atomized vapor, capable of reaching nooks, crannies and crevices that would be beyond the reach of other disinfecting methods. NAV-CO2 systems have been used to fight nosocomial infections including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens such as HIV, norovirus, hepatitis, tuburculosis, and listeria.
Advantages
Alcohol and CO2 are both gases at room temperature. Both substances evaporate off of contact surfaces within minutes after application. Surfaces do not require wiping, reducing the spreading of pathogens on cloths. Alcohol and CO2 are inexpensive and readily available.
Environmental advantages include a viable alternative to oxidizing sanitizers such as bleach.
Precautions
Operators of NAV-CO2 systems are advised to use the system in ventilated areas, as the continuous use in an airtight area may deprive the operator of oxygen.