Wireless Electrochemical CIO2 Monitor for Monitor for Decontamination Operations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the need for an accurate and field-rugged instrument to monitor chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for use in monitoring building decontamination operations. The proposed Phase I study will evaluate the feasibility of designing and fabricating an advanced electrochemical ClO2 sensor, utilizing integrated solid polymer electrolyte proton-conducting membrane as well as thick and thin film electrode structure technology, and demonstrating its successful operation with wireless data transmission. The sensor will be designed for accurate and rapid (less than 30 seconds for 90 percent of full response, T90) detection of ClO2 concentrations in the range of 0 to 3,000 ppm with a detection limit of 2 ppb. One of the aims of the Phase I project is the evaluation of specificity of the proposed sensor to ClO2 mixtures at the relevant levels in the presence of potentially interfering compounds. The proposed sensor will be configured for continuous unattended or hand-held operation. In Phase II, the advanced electrochemical sensor will be fully integrated with wireless data transmission and configured into a compact and lightweight monitor that will allow for independent operation of the monitor, complete with calibration routine and digital display of numeric results. An accurate, portable and reliable ClO2 monitoring device capable of wireless data transmission could find a broad commercial use. The proposed hand-held and inexpensive (< $100 to manufacture in quantities greater than 10,000 units) electrochemical ClO2 monitor that is capable of monitoring ClO2 levels in real-time with a detection limit of 2 ppb could be used for applications intended to control microbiological growth in a number of different industries, such as the dairy industry, beverage industry, pulp and paper industry, fruit and vegetable industries, various canning plants, poultry industry, beef processing industry, and miscellaneous food processing applications. In addition to the applications mentioned above, the proposed ClO2 monitor also could be used in ClO2 generators to accurately control the concentration of generated ClO2.