Wireless Electrochemical ClO2 Monitor for Decontamination Operations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 and 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 20 seconds for 90% of full response, T90) detection of ClO2 concentrations in the range of 0 to 3000 ppm with a detection limit of 2 ppb. One of the aims of the Phase I program 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 handheld 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. Commercial Applications: 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, the beverage industry, the pulp and paper industry, the fruit and vegetable industries, various canning plants, the poultry industry, the beef processing industry and miscellaneous food processing applications. In addition to the applications mentioned above, the proposed ClO2 monitor could also be used in chlorine dioxides generators to accurately control concentration of generated ClO2.