On-Demand Disinfectant Generator

Currently, the U.S. Navy uses a 4wt% sodium hypochlorite solution (bottled bleach) as a general disinfectant/sanitizer in the field. The solution is used for processing fresh fruits and vegetables, water purification, surface sanitizing, and general cleaning use. However, the limited shelf-life of bleach (6 months) and the hazardous nature of the solution make transporting, storing, and using bleach problematic. The Navy seeks to replace bottled-bleach with an on-site system that generates a concentrated disinfectant on-demand and preferably requires no consumables. This Phase I SBIR proposal describes the evaluation of three different disinfectants and their associated on-demand generation technologies as a replacement for bottled bleach. The three disinfectants, which are generated electrochemically, are potent, well-known germicides currently used for similar applications. During the Phase I research period, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature will determine what concentrations of these alternative disinfectants are required to match the performance of bleach in the field. This information will then be combined with the performance specifications of each of the electrochemical generation systems to determine the best technology to replace bottled bleach. The Phase I work will conclude with the fabrication and assembly of a breadboard disinfectant generation system.