Applied Physics · Precision technologies since 1992
This historical comparison is being corrected to distinguish equipment specifications from validated disinfection performance. It is not an operating procedure or a current quotation.
Compare spray and fogging equipment by the intended application, current chemical labeling, documented performance, exposure controls and total operating costs. EPA registration applies to a pesticide product and its labeled uses, not blanket certification of a fogger.
Hand-carried spray guns and backpack sprayers deliver liquid droplets to surfaces. Droplet size, evaporation and deposition vary with the equipment, formulation and environment. Surface wetting can be an intended part of label-directed disinfection; neither visible fog nor a smaller droplet size proves sterilization. Operator PPE is determined by the product label, SDS and risk assessment, not a visual judgment about how strong a chemical appears.
Before use, review the exact product label for the target organism, surface, application method, contact time and any rinsing or re-entry requirements. Control access and residue exposure as directed. Do not infer safety or efficacy from price, odor or whether an operator is wearing protection.
AFS and CRF2-S equipment should be assessed against the intended application and current model documentation. A chemical registration does not establish whole-room air or surface sterilization, and historical prices are not current quotations. Verify the chemical, fogging permission and process validation separately.
The historical table compares units described by liquid-output rates of 1.5 and 9 gallons per hour. The competitor identities and current specifications were not established. Liquid flow rate is not treated-room capacity. No universal hydrogen-peroxide concentration can be prescribed from equipment flow or a target organism alone.
Assess construction materials, distribution pattern and chemical compatibility using the exact model and formulation. Plastic materials differ in resistance; a blanket claim that plastic cannot tolerate a sterilant is not justified. Request traceable application-specific efficacy data rather than inferring performance from concentration or output direction.
A purchasing comparison should include current equipment and chemical quotations, consumables, monitoring, maintenance, operator training and validated cycle requirements. An SDS describes hazards; it does not itself prove disinfection efficacy. Customer feedback is not a substitute for the current pesticide label and relevant performance evidence.
DF2S and CRF4-S are included below as equipment options. Their inclusion does not establish a coronavirus claim or a validated room-sterilization process. Confirm the exact chemical label, permitted application method, equipment compatibility and site-specific validation before selection or use.
Product Model | Competitive Humidifier/Fogger, 1.5 GPH | Competitive Humidifier/Fogger, 9 GPH | DF2S Sterilizing Dry Fogger | CRF4-S Sterilizing Dry Fogger | ACTRIL Sterilizing Fogger | Disinfectant Backpack Fogger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FOG Minutes | ~ 60 minutes | ~ 60 minutes | ~ 90 minutes | ~ 45 minutes | ~ 60 minutes | ~26.67 Minutes @ Max output, Refill and Restart until battery runs out, replace battery, refill and restart. |
Primary Fogger Application | Humidifier | Humidifier | Chemical distribution for a separately validated decontamination process. | Chemical distribution for a separately validated decontamination process. | Chemical distribution for a separately validated decontamination process. | Application not verified; identify the exact model and approved use. |
Validated treatment capacity | Treatment capacity must be established for the specific chemical, room, load and validated process. | Treatment capacity must be established for the specific chemical, room, load and validated process. | Treatment capacity must be established for the specific chemical, room, load and validated process. | Treatment capacity must be established for the specific chemical, room, load and validated process. | Treatment capacity must be established for the specific chemical, room, load and validated process. | Refill and Restart as needed. |
Chemical quantity and cost per validated cycle | Confirm chemical quantity and current price by quotation; determine consumption from the labeled and validated process. | Confirm chemical quantity and current price by quotation; determine consumption from the labeled and validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | |
Cycle count and coverage | Cycle count and coverage depend on the labeled application and site-specific validation. | Cycle count and coverage depend on the labeled application and site-specific validation. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | ||
Direction of Fog Output | One direction, machine must be moved in position to redirect | One direction about 60 degree dispersal, machine must be moved in position to redirect | 360 Degrees horizontally, or 360 Degrees up angle, or straight up | 360 Degrees horizontally, or 360 Degrees at angle, or straight up | One direction about 60 degree dispersal, gallon jug must be moved in position to redirect | |
Concentration of Sterilant in Air | With a single output at about 60 degree spread pattern, the tool is dispersing 1.5 gallons (5.67 Liters) of solution in that 60 degree pattern. At 1.5 GPH, does this cause surface wetting in front of fogger? | With a single output at about 60 degree spread pattern, the tool is directing 9.0 gallons (34 Liters) of fog in that 60 degree pattern. At 9 GPH, does this cause surface wetting in front of fogger? | 22 liters in 360 degree pattern allows for better dispersal of sterilant | 9.5 liters in 360 degree pattern allows for better dispersal of sterilant | With a single output at about 60 degree spread pattern, the tool is directing 1.0 gallon (3.78 Liters) of fog in that 60 degree pattern. | 8 Liters in targeted output from Backpack Hose |
Chemical registration and labeling | Chemical not identified; verify the exact product registration and permitted application. | Chemical not identified; verify the exact product registration and permitted application. | Minncare chemical: historical EPA Reg. No. 52252-4. Verify the current label and permitted use. This does not certify the fogger. | Minncare chemical: historical EPA Reg. No. 52252-4. Verify the current label and permitted use. This does not certify the fogger. | Verify the current Actril label, registration and permitted fogging use. Do not describe the fogger as EPA certified. | Chemical not identified; verify the exact product registration and permitted application. |
Typical gallons of Sterilant provided w/ product order. | Included chemical quantity depends on the current quotation; do not infer treatment cycles from supplied volume alone. | Included chemical quantity depends on the current quotation; do not infer treatment cycles from supplied volume alone. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | Historical chemical-bundle figures; verify current supply and pricing by quotation. Dilution, cycle count and treatment capacity must follow the current chemical label and a validated process. | 8 Liters = 2.11 gallons |
Aerosol Fog Droplet size | ~ 4.2 microns, not verified by any major company | ~ 4.2 microns, not verified by any major company | ~ 7.5 microns, verified by laser particle counter for size peak | ~ 7.5 microns, verified by laser particle counter for size peak | ~ 7.5 microns, verified by laser particle counter for size peak | ~ 10 microns |
Facilities INPUT | Compressor Line + Water Hose + 110VAC Input | Compressor Line + Water Hose + 110VAC Input | Compressor line only | 110VAC or 220VAC or 100VAC | Compressor line only | 115VAC Charger, Battery is Lithium-Ion 15AH and 24V |
Cost with typical accessories | $15848 + $5000 for portable gas detector, 4 gallons provided of 7% H2O2 and system consumes 1.5 GPH | $27191 + $5000 for portable gas detector, 4 gallons provided of 7% H2O2 and system consumes 9GPH | Historical quotation: $55,000 including listed accessories and chemical supply; verify current pricing and contents. Supplied volume does not establish treatment capacity. | $55000, includes 40 gallons sterlant and air quality test instruments and primary accessories | $2250, includes 7.5 micron Fog Nozzle, 4 gallons Actril and test strips | $1997, Includes 10 micron nozzle, 2 Batteries and |
Adjustable Airflow Velocity and Fog Volume | NONE | NONE | 4 levels of fog volume, controlled by air compressor, (dry air compressor recommended) | Yes, thru wireless remote control | No airflow velocity control, has constant fog volume output | constant fan airflow output |
Fogger Technology | Generates liquid aerosol droplets. Evaporation and vapor concentration depend on the formulation and environment; visible fog does not establish a sterilizing vapor dose. | Generates liquid aerosol droplets. Evaporation and vapor concentration depend on the formulation and environment; visible fog does not establish a sterilizing vapor dose. | Generates liquid aerosol droplets. Evaporation and vapor concentration depend on the formulation and environment; visible fog does not establish a sterilizing vapor dose. | Generates liquid aerosol droplets. Evaporation and vapor concentration depend on the formulation and environment; visible fog does not establish a sterilizing vapor dose. | Generates liquid aerosol droplets. Evaporation and vapor concentration depend on the formulation and environment; visible fog does not establish a sterilizing vapor dose. | Not verified for the identified model/configuration; confirm with the current manufacturer specification. |
Liquids Used | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Deionized/Distilled/WFI/Sterile water. Tap Water should not be used due to chlorine in Tap Water. | Deionized/Distilled/WFI/Sterile water. Tap Water should not be used due to chlorine in Tap Water. | Actril Solution does not need any other liquid | Pure water such as distilled water, Deionized water or WFI water or sterile water. Do NOT use TAP Water due to particle impurities in tap water. |
Where used | Small to medium sized office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas. but no company can verify fog volume or use in major company. | Large office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas, warehouses. but no company can verify fog volume or use in major company. | Large office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas, warehouses | Medium sized office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas | Small office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas | Portable, for Indoor and Outdoor, Office areas, medical rooms, hospital rooms, work areas. |
Autoclavable | NO | NO | Yes, Autoclavable | No | No | No |
Standards and regulatory documentation | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. | Confirm current model-specific documentation and applicable facility requirements. EPA chemical registration does not certify equipment; ISO 14644-3 and USP 797 do not establish fogger disinfection efficacy. |
Product-specific efficacy and local requirements | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. | Efficacy, contact time and permitted use are product- and application-specific. Follow the current chemical label and applicable local requirements; validate the process. |
Compressor Requirements | Air Compressor: 3 CFM (72 LPM ) @ 110 psi (7 Bar) | Air Compressor: 15 CFM (432 LPM ) @ 110 psi (7 Bar) | Dry Air Compressor suggested, 70-100 psi, wireless remote control of On/Off | None, CRF4-S includes onboard fan control and fog volume control via wireless remote control | Dry Air Compressor suggested, 2.5 SCFM Constant On Compressor @ 45 PSI, 5 or more units can be ran in parallel with 12.5 SCFM Constant On @ 45 PSI | None |
Total Deionized/Sterile Water and Sterilant Volume | 1.5 gallons | 9 gallons | 22 liters (5.82 Gallons) | 9.5 liters (2.51 gallons) | 1 Gallon, 3.78 Liters, (1 Gallon) | 8 Liters, 2.11 gallons |
Chemical preparation | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. |
Operator Control | Air Compressor @ 3 CFM @ 100 PSI | Air Compressor @ 10 CFM @ 100 PSI | Operated by separate Dry Air Compressor and Remote Control, 15SCFM @ 75 PSI | Wireless Remote control of fog volume & airflow velocity and ON/Off from 30 feet | Dry Air Compressor on/off, 2 SCFM @ 45 PSI | Single On/Off Switch |
Remote Control | None Suggested | None Suggested | Remote Control of On/Off | Wireless Remote control of fog volume, airflow velocity and On/Off | Operated Remotely by Compressor | No Required |
Handling | Rolls on a 4 wheel base | Rolls on a 4 wheel base | Rolls on a 4 wheel base | Portable w/ Carry Handles (top and front), or set on a rolling trolly and roll into position | Hand Carry 1 gallon containers | Backpack |
Enclosure | Plastic modules, steel rolling trolly | Plastic modules, steel rolling trolly | 316L Stainless Steel, electro-polish | 316L Stainless Steel, electro-polish | Polyethylene 1 gallon Jugs | Back Pack Unit |
Power VAC | 110VAC | 110VAC | 120, 220, 100 VAC to Compressor only | 120, 220, 100 VAC | 110VAC to Compressor | 115VAC Charger, Battery is Lithium-Ion 15AH and 24V |
Cost with all critical Accessories | $17,447 | $27,192 | $55000 w/ All Accessories, (See Below) $44200 w/o Air Quality Instruments and Remote Control | $29000 w/ All Accessories, (See Below), $23950 w/o air quality instruments | $2250 includes Actril Fogger, 1 Nozzle, 4 gallons of premixed Actril sterilant | $1997 |
Weight, no liquid/W/ Liquid | 97 pounds, 109 pounds with accessories | 137 pounds, 149 pounds with accessories | ~ 70 lbs | ~ 45 lbs | ~ 5 pounds | ~16 pounds, 34 Pounds with liquid |
Accessories | Optional: Industrial PLC Control Center, Optional: Injection Kit for Concentrated Disinfectants; Optional: Hose / Nozzle Kit. No Air Quality Instruments suggested even though H2O2 is suggested for sterilization. | Optional: Industrial PLC Control Center, Optional: Injection Kit for Concentrated Disinfectants; Optional: Hose / Nozzle Kit. No Air Quality Instruments suggested even though H2O2 is suggested for sterilization. | Key Fog Vertical/Horizontal Accessories, air quality Measuring Instruments, 40 gallons sterilant included in Quote | Key Vertical Fogger Accessories, air quality Measuring Instruments, 4 gallons sterilant included in Quote | Additional Actril Sterilant in 4 gallon increments | Hose, Nozzle, Battery, External Charger |
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to water and oxygen. Follow the product label and SDS; decomposition does not eliminate exposure hazards during use. | Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to water and oxygen. Follow the product label and SDS; decomposition does not eliminate exposure hazards during use. | Consult the current product label and SDS for ingredients, hazards and decomposition products. Do not infer non-toxicity or safe re-entry from eventual decomposition. | Consult the current product label and SDS for ingredients, hazards and decomposition products. Do not infer non-toxicity or safe re-entry from eventual decomposition. | Consult the current product label and SDS for ingredients, hazards and decomposition products. Do not infer non-toxicity or safe re-entry from eventual decomposition. | Use only chemistry and application methods permitted by the current product label and equipment instructions. Follow the labeled dilution, contact time, PPE, ventilation and re-entry requirements. | |
Sources: EPA guidance on fogging and label-directed use; historical Minncare registration label (2013, not a current operating instruction); CDC definitions of disinfection and sterilization. Confirm the current label before use.
APPLIED PHYSICS TECHNICAL RESOURCE
Pathology workflow, containment, sterilization, biological safety and clinical-laboratory equipment selection. Product and standards references should be interpreted for the actual instrument, facility, protocol and configuration.
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