SummaryAerobiology studies at the Naval Biological Laboratory require use of a vacuum system to provide safe disposal of air contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. A system for thermal decontamination of this process air has been installed and tested. The system uses a natural gas burner to heat approximately 550 cfm of air to temperatures exceeding 750°F. Tests showed a reduction in number of aerosolized viable hardy spores (BucilZus sublilis var. niger) of more than 8 logs at design flow rates. The kill rate (D values) measured in this system is somewhat higher than those reported by other workers. The annual owning and operating cost of the system is approximately $9000.
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