10 Jun VHP Decontamination- Application, Types and Distribution.

In health care facilities, a novel low-temperature sterilization technology employs Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) to sanitize reusable metal and nonmetal instruments. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is used as a broad spectrum antimicrobial in the VHP sterilization device. It spreads VHP uniformly throughout the enclosure, making it effective against viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and bacterial spores.

VHP is increasingly being used by drug and device makers to treat individual cleanrooms and cleanroom suits. VHP generators are installed and integrated with building automation systems and common air handling components. This builds a utility-like, facility-wide biodecontamination system that can be started with a mouse click.

Let’s have a quick look at the Applications, types and distribution of VHP Decontamination.

Application of VHP Decontamination:

• VHP is made from a solution of liquid H2O2 and water using generators developed specifically for the task.

• These generators dehumidify the air before producing VHP by feeding aqueous hydrogen peroxide through a vaporizer and circulating the vapor at a preset concentration in the air, generally between 140 and 1400 parts per million, depending on the infectious agent to be eliminated. In humans, a concentration of 75 parts per million is deemed “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.”

• VHP is circulated back into the generator after it has circulated in the enclosed area for a predetermined amount of time, where it is broken down into water and oxygen by a catalytic converter, until VHP concentrations decrease to safe levels (usually 1 ppm).

• In circumstances where recapturing the VHP is not necessary, the VHP is vented to the outside air.

Types of VHP Generators:

There are two types of VHP generators:

1. Non-Piped VHP Generators.
2. Piped VHP Generators.

1. Non-Piped VHP Generators:

Portable VHP generators that aren’t piped don’t need to be installed permanently and are always used within a room or suite, either alone or in a network. Fans may need to be placed to improve dispersion if the rooms have a complicated layout or are packed with equipment. Because they remain in a room during the aeration phase of the biodecontamination cycle, non-piped VHP generators have longer redeployment periods. As a result, they’re usually suitable for less regular use.

2. Piped VHP Generators:

VHP is piped in through a port on piped VHP portable generators, which are normally located outside the room. The demand for well-placed fans grows as the airflow of a piped generator decreases. It may, however, be used to clean another enclosure while the original one aerates, unlike the non-piped VHP generator.

VHP Distribution:

VHP is transported from the generator to all surfaces inside the target enclosure via air. VHP content, distribution, and physical condition are determined by its temperature, volume, and humidity. 

Condensation should be avoided along this path. With adequate temperature and relative humidity management, hydrogen peroxide stays a vapor and flows with the air streams specified into the application.

This method of dissemination may be divided into two categories:

1. Primary Distribution
2. Secondary Distribution

1. Primary Distribution:

The point at which liquid peroxide is vaporized and transported at a high concentration, usually via an insulated polymer conduit.

• The major distribution for a portable non-piped generator is within the generator itself. The VHP will be dispersed in the surrounding environment via an internal blower.
• VHP can be delivered into a nearby room or enclosure, or hundreds of feet distant, using piped generators. To transfer the highly concentrated VHP to the target enclosure in larger applications, manifolds and an array of insulated polymer pipes are used.

2. Secondary Distribution:

When extremely concentrated VHP is diluted and diffused in the colder air inside the enclosure, all exposed surfaces are decontaminated. Secondary distribution can be accomplished by strategically placing injection ports in a room or by utilizing the target area HVAC system. Fans that are manually positioned are a less desired, but still practical, option.

It’s beneficial if the HVAC system’s footprint matches that of the VHP target zone. As a secondary distribution and aeration system, both single pass and recirculating HVAC systems can be employed.

Concluding the topic:

VHP is a very effective antibacterial that is widely used for critical environment treatment. Each application is distinct, and numerous types of VHP equipment have been designed to meet the demands of the many applications.

To know more about VHP decontamination and other containment solution, get in touch with [email protected]