Non-flammable alcohol vapor in carbon dioxide systems (NAV- system) were developed in Japan in the 1990s to sanitize hospitals and ambulances.

Application

The NAV- uses CO₂ (

carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula . It is made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalent bond, covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is found in a gas state at room temperature and at norma ...

) as a propellant to dispense a 58%

isopropyl alcohol Isopropyl alcohol (IUPAC name propan-2-ol and also called isopropanol or 2-propanol) is a colorless, flammable, organic compound with a pungent alcoholic odor. Isopropyl alcohol, an organic polar molecule, is miscible in water, ethanol, an ...

solution in a heated stream. The procedure uses alcohol in an atomized vapor, and reaches nooks, crannies, and crevices that may be beyond the reach of other

disinfecting A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than s ...

methods.

Safety

The use of carbon dioxide as a propellant serves to displace ambient oxygen (one of the elements needed to support combustion) and eliminates the risk of explosion. The carbon dioxide and atomized alcohol evaporate at room temperature leaving no residue.

References and notes

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nav-{{as written, CO, 2 systems Cleaning tools Disinfectants