Altapure, ITT Exelis to launch new model of disinfection system

ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) and Altapure, LLC are launching a new model of their state-of-the-art disinfection system at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology annual conference this week in San Antonio, Texas.    

The two companies have worked jointly for the past seven years to develop a portable nebulizer that eradicates viruses, bacteria, spores and fungi in less than 10 minutes. The Exelis technology enables the ultrasonic subsystem of Altapure's nebulizer to deliver a robust, dense cloud of sub-micron droplets, providing high-level disinfection or decontamination of large areas. The first application of the technology has been in medical centers where cleanliness and patient safety are paramount.

The initial Altapure system has been successfully piloted in targeted hospitals during the past year, and the new model, the HJ-30i, delivers major breakthroughs in size, weight, performance flexibility and scalability.

One-third the size and weight of the previous model, the HJ-30i still delivers the same proven performance and also is capable of changing the size and concentration of its disinfectant solution with commands from a remote control unit. Different decontamination applications may require changes in droplet size, so the HJ-30i provides the necessary flexibility to perform these diverse missions.

In order to treat large areas, it may be necessary to link more than one machine together. The Altapure HJ-30i can be connected to other systems over the "Altanet" equipment network, providing a unique scalability to meet virtually any disinfection challenge.

"The Altapure HJ-30i's size, performance and scalability provide unmatched disinfection effectiveness and efficiency," said Chris Bernhardt, Exelis executive vice president and president of the Electronic Systems division. "This milestone is another sign of the Exelis commitment to finding innovative ways to adapt our advanced technologies to solve today's challenges, both for our defense customers and for targeted commercial markets."

Exelis initially developed its piezoelectric ceramic-based technology so underwater sensors could be the eyes and ears of submarines. The company has adapted this technology to enable the nebulizer to destroy a wide range of pathogens at a reduced time and expense and at greater efficacy when compared to existing methods.

The automated operation decreases the risk of human exposure, both for patients and hospital employees. The Altapure solution is non-corrosive, leaves no residue and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Rooms treated by the nebulizer can be reoccupied within 30 minutes.

"Our 'no touch' technology provides medical centers with a high-performing, high-speed solution to keep their environments safe and clean," said Carl Ricciardi, Altapure co-founder and president. "The Altapure HJ-30i is another step forward in our mission to deliver pure peace of mind to our customers and, ultimately, to hospital patients around the world."