Demonstration and Optimization of a Self-Contained PSS

The military has an on-going need to post troops for long periods of time in austere and remote world-wide where power and clean water are difficult to obtain. At these locations, there is still the need to disinfect and sterilize medical or dental instruments where autoclaves are not possible to carry or are logistically impractical. A light-weight, small volume, and portable device is needed to provide sterilization. An effective Portable Sterilization System (PSS) will allow surgical/dental procedures to be performed with as-sterilized instruments to enhance the medical care capabilities of far-forward and theater medical care units. A chemical method of creating the steam would eliminate the need for power and keep the total weight and volume of the sterilization device small. The chemical sterilization device must be safe and storable for one year, and environmentally friendly. The Phase I and Phase I Option will optimize the chemical system component based on steam generation kinetics, temperature control, and microorganism efficacy, and also deign and fabricate a passively operated PSS. Mainstream has successfully designed a related system for NASA's SCAPE suits. Phase II will optimize the PSS design and field test.