There are presently two options to consider when combating COVID-19.
Handheld/Backpack Electrostatic Sprayers (Emist, Victory and Protexus)
ULV Foggers (Longray, B&G)
Electrostatic Sprayer Application of Disinfectants
Let’s start off by clearing up some confusion about electrostatic disinfection and electrostatic cleaning. In the cleaning and hygiene industry, “electrostatic cleaning” actually refers to electrostatic disinfecting. Although these terms are occasionally used interchangeably, they actually refer to separate infection control processes. In general, electrostatic sprayers provide no physical cleaning action. For example, they do not remove dirt from the floor like a broom and dust pan may, rather the electrostatic sprayer is used as an adjunct to mechanically disinfect pre-cleaned surfaces.
Electrostatic technology works by inducing a slight positive charge to a non-corrosive disinfectant. This positive charge acts as a magnet for aerosolized disinfectant to effectively 'hone' in on contaminated surfaces.The end result -all surfaces are homogeneously disinfected. as the electrically charged droplets are drawn to adhere to the obscured far side of surfaces being treated. Further benefits included less product with a faster application.
ULV Foggers
ULV (Ultra Low Volume) Foggers deliver aersolized disinfectant at droplet sizes, ranging from 10 microns to 120 microns. For this reason, ULV Foggers should only be used with products that are safe for use in the presence of people when adjusted to levels below 80 microns.
Unlike electrostatic sprayers which are directional and surface specific, ULV Foggers treat entire areas.
These foggers are commonly used with bio-degradable disinfectant which are safe to be delivered into the atmosphere at between 10 to 20 microns droplet sizes.
Conclusion
The choice of equipment is largely determined by the products being used.
Electrostatic sprayers help conventional disinfectant adhere to a wide range of surfaces therefore improving the efficacy of the disinfectants being used.
These sprayers are relatively expensive, ranging from between several hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on make and model. In general they should be used at 80 microns droplet size or larger which implies heavier product usage.
ULV Foggers that can populate open areas can also be directed to surfaces. They are ideal for use with at small droplet sizes of between 10 and 20 microns. This is provides economical delivery in terms of disinfectant usage.
ULV Fogging units are the lowest cost delivery mechanism, with most ranging between two to three hundred dollars.
Mark Richardson is the Owner of Richardson Sanitech