Nonflammable alcohol vapor in CO2

Nonflammable alcohol vapor in CO₂ (NAV-CO2) systems use carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a propellant to dispense a 56% isopropyl alcohol solution in a stream of CO₂ gas. The use of CO₂ as a propellant serves to displace ambient oxygen and eliminate the risk of explosion.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

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Daily Visual Balance Check

Application

Alcohol is a wide spectrum disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses through denaturation. NAV-CO₂ allow alcohol to be used safely in an atomized vapor, capable of reaching nooks, crannies and crevices that would be beyond the reach of other disinfecting methods. NAV-CO₂ systems have been used to fight nosocomial infections including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens such as HIV, norovirus, hepatitis, tuburculosis, and listeria.

Advantages

Alcohol and CO₂ are both gases at room temperature. Both substances evaporate off of contact surfaces within minutes after application. Surfaces do not require wiping, reducing the spreading of pathogens on cloths. Alcohol and CO₂ are inexpensive and readily available.

Environmental advantages include a viable alternative to oxidizing sanitizers such as bleach.