The decontamination of surfaces exposed to biological warfare agents by means of a one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma

Summary form only given, as follows. Decontamination of surfaces that have been exposed to biological agents must be accomplished quickly under battlefield conditions. Extensive time periods for decontamination can result in long periods of equipment inaccessibility which negatively affects quick response forces. Current decontamination processes utilize corrosive solutions, which require careful handling and can damage the equipment which must be treated. A simple fast-acting, and safe method for equipment decontamination would minimize equipment downtime and minimize the number of personnel needed. It has been demonstrated that exposure of microorganisms to gas discharge plasmas leads to their destruction. In particular, the one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDP) has been shown to completely destroy microbial agents in a time frame of tens of seconds. Under the sponsorship of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, simulants of biological agents coating surfaces mimicing military equipment were exposed to the OAUGDP under various operating parameters. Power levels and exposure times were the principal variables. The performance of the OAUGDP applied to several types of microorganism will be described. Based upon the test results, the operating conditions needed for complete agent destruction are determined and used for the design of a commercial unit.