Disinfecting, sanitizing and sterilization agents are chemicals used to rid the environment of germs and other microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. They typically come in either liquid, granule or powder forms. The manufacture of these chemicals requires accurate measurement of the ingredients to ensure their efficacy and safety in the case of those that come in contact with humans. Of particular interest are those that are effective against COVID-19 which is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.
Disinfectants
Chemical agents typically used on inanimate surfaces and objects to destroy infectious fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Low-concentration forms of these chemicals may be used for disinfecting human tissue as well. Biocides and Antiviral agents are a special class of disinfectants based upon their efficacy against various microorganisms including coronavirus. The Environmental Protection Agency has an up-to-date list of all the approved agents for efficacy in fighting COVID-19, including brand names of products containing these agents. The list can be found here: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
Rheotherm instruments are used extensively in measuring disinfectants such as chlorine compounds, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), alcohols and hydrogen peroxide due to their accuracy, ability to measure flow rates as low as a few milliliters per minute, and wide range of chemical compatibility.
Sanitizers
These agents simultaneously clean and disinfect and are typically used for reducing the number of all forms of microbial life including fungi, viruses, and bacteria on surfaces. A common use of sanitizers is to rid your hands and regularly-used surfaces of bacteria, viruses and germs in general.
Chlorine compounds are the most commonly used chemical sanitizer agents, since they are highly effective and relatively inexpensive. Some typical chlorine compounds used in commercial sanitizers are liquid chlorine, hypochlorites, inorganic chloramines and organic chloramines. Quaternary ammonium compounds are one of the most effective sanitizing agents used to fight viruses. They are found in many of the currently available disinfectants and cleaners recommended for use in the battle against coronavirus.
Rheotherm instruments are widely used in applications with these chemicals due to their wide chemical compatibility, high level of accuracy and repeatability in measurement.
Sterilizers
These chemicals can be either liquid or vapor-phase agents which destroy all forms of microbial life including fungi, viruses, and all forms of bacteria and their spores. Ethylene oxide and peracetic acid are two specific sterilants being measured with Rheotherm flow instruments.
Rheotherm Model 210 Flow Meter
One typical configuration used for these applications is a Model 210-IDT-TU1/16(HC)-4/20-24V (pictured here). The features of this instrument include: local display readout, 4-20mA analog output, and Hastelloy C-276 wetted material for corrosion resistance when used with many of the chemicals discussed above.
For more information on the Rheotherm Model 210 Flow Meter for your application, use the form on this page to reach us or go to the Low Flow Liquid Meters page for details and to get a quotation.
Rheotherm advantage: accurate low-flow measurement, low pressure drop, variety of available wetted materials for chemical compatibility