In the wake of the global COVID-19 crisis, thorough and efficient cleaning procedures are desired to support a healthy environment and cost-effective return to pre-pandemic air traffic levels. This paper, written and published by Boeing, presents initial research findings on semi-automated disinfection methods, which can provide the ability to disinfect surfaces more consistently and efficiently than manual application of chemicals. Within these studies, the EMist EM360 Cordless Electrostatic Backpack (among others) was used to conduct testing.
Boeing conducted two studies, called Design of Experiment (DOE)
1: Characterization of Electrostatic Sprayer Application of Disinfectants and DOE
2: Wetting and Drying of Representative Substrates, to characterize electrostatic spray disinfection devices (one type of semi-automated device).
Based on those studies and as discussed in greater detail below, the following is recommended with respect to electrostatic spray devices:
• Do not use fogger type semi-automated disinfection, based on potential risks to environmental control system components.
• When using an electrostatic spray device:
– Use a device that generates a cone-shaped spray pattern.
– Maintain a distance of 2-4 feet between the nozzle and surface.
– Move the nozzle of the sprayer through a 90 degree arc in roughly 5 seconds to establish a baseline spray traverse speed.
– Note that within a 40-80% humidity and 68-90.5°F range, the required dry time of nonporous materials increases inversely with temperature, proportionally to the percentage relative humidity.
Read the full paper here: https://www.boeing.com/confident-travel/downloads/Selection_and_Characterization_of_Semi-Automated_Disinfection_Devices.pdf
