EMIST Canada - Cleanterra Authorized EMist Distributor - EPIX360 and EM360

EMist Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In light of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19, environmental cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces has become more important than ever before. Research studies show that environmental cleaning and disinfecting play important roles in helping to prevent the spread of infection. New technology in this industry is the application of EPA-approved disinfectants utilizing electrostatic application systems for proper surface disinfection. Electrostatics is a proven technology in the agricultural and automotive industries. This technology is now being integrated into the infection prevention and control industry as a tool to break the chain of pathogen mobility.

Better Coverage for Proper Surface Disinfection.

What is Electrostatic Spray Technology (EST)?

Electrostatics is a branch of physics that studies the phenomena and properties of stationary or slow-moving electric charges (Electrostatics, 2016). Electrostatic phenomena is easily demonstrated when lint is attracted to clothes, or when dust clings to a TV screen. These descriptions are examples of Coulomb’s law. Coulomb’s law states that opposite electrical charges attract and like charges repel. Electrostatic spraying has been used for many decades in painting and agriculture. EMist uses this same process to apply a charge to the liquid droplets as they are formed and just before the droplets leave the spray nozzle. These “super-charged” droplets then actively seek out negative or neutral surfaces. What’s more, as the droplets leave the nozzle, the charged droplets repel one another, keeping them from coming together and forming larger droplets. Interestingly, because of the electrostatic charge, droplets “wrap” around surfaces providing an even, consistent surface coverage.

What are the EMist Disinfectant Sprayers?

The EMist sprayers are the most powerful, efficient and cost-effective disinfection sprayers on the market. The sprayers place an electrostatic charge to disinfectants as the chemical leaves the spray nozzle, which causes the chemical droplets to cling to virtually any surface.

Who can operate EMist Electrostatic Disinfectant Sprayers?

Your current janitorial, housekeeping or environmental service staff will find the sprayers easy to use and to operate. They’ll also discover that it takes less time to cover more area and to do the job with better outcomes and more cost effectively.

How does EMist compare to other Surface Disinfection Systems?

Those involved in the prevention and control of preventable infections require a balanced approach to cost and quality to improve outcomes. Existing disinfection methods including wipes, spray and wipe, fogging, and UV lighting are ineffective or expensive. As environmental surface contamination and healthcare-acquired infections have become more defined, EMist sprayers present an effective, approved, and cost-effective alternative to applying disinfectants.

What Disinfectant is recommended for EMist Disinfectant Sprayers?

Any water-soluble chemical can be used in the EMist electrostatic sprayers. However, we prefer “safe and green” disinfectants. A perfect disinfectant would offer complete and full microbiological sterilization, without harming people/animals, would be inexpensive, and noncorrosive. Unfortunately, most disinfectants are potentially harmful and even toxic to humans/animals. Our preferred solution is Envirocleanse-A which is a Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) that is supported by Berkshire Hathaway. HOCl works very well against pathogens like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeroginosa. Though very powerful, HOCl is 100 percent safe for humans, chemical-free, non-toxic and all-natural. It has been used in the medical field for over a century. Before antibiotics were available, HOCl was used to irrigate and disinfect wounds in World War I. Today, it is used in everyday settings such as daycare centers, hospitals, and even produce sections in grocery stores.

What’s the difference between Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing?

Cleaning

  • Removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting

  • Kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing

  • It lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

Has the EPA evaluated Electrostatic Sprayers?

Yes. EPA studies (EPA-600-R-15-279 and USEPA 2015b) show that compared to traditional sprayer systems, an electrostatic spray technology is more efficient, reduces waste, and delivers a more uniform distribution of liquids over uneven surfaces.

How does using an EMist sprayer save on labor costs as compared to “wipe-and-go” disinfecting method?

EMist is a better way to apply disinfectants. Better, faster, and less cost. Using the system decreases the amount of labor and chemical by up to 50%. The system allows the chemistry to achieve proper contact time for maximum kill claims stated by the EPA registered chemical. The current “wipe-and-go” disinfecting method introduces human error with the potential of missing high/low touch surfaces, minimizing kill claims by chemicals with reduced, inconsistent contact times and introducing the potential for cross-contamination by touching every surface. It also has the potential to expose workers to surface pathogens due to touching surfaces.

How often do I need to service or clean my EPIX360, EM360 or EX7000 Sprayer?

Regular maintenance is required. A 60 second flush of the system with clean water is recommended after long periods of use and any time you switch chemicals/cleaners in the unit. Please follow the guidelines included in the operations manual supplied with the unit.

What is the EMist Electrostatic Sprayer Droplet Size?

EMist sprayers use a very specialized and precise spray tip. The tip produces an average droplet size or variable mean diameter of 85 microns (range of 54 microns to as large as 120 microns). With a VMD of 85 microns there is much less “drift”, better surface coverage, improved surface dwell time, and the least possible suspension of liquids.

What type of training is required in order to use my EMist Sprayer?

No formal training is required. Training videos will be provided by your CleanTerra Sales Representative.

My EMist sprayer is not working properly, who do I contact?

First, check the troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual for common problem and recommended solutions. If you need additional assistance, please contact CleanTerra via e-mail info@cleanterra.ca and a customer support person will follow up with you.

Does using a sprayer use less product?

Using a sprayer uses less product when cleaning. 1 gallon can provide 54,000 sq/ft of surface area coverage per hour, saving up to 50% on the cost of solution and 45% on labour.
 

What is electrostatic misting?

Electrostatic misting is the process of turning disinfectant liquid into small aerosols droplets and then applying a charge to each droplet so that they are attracted to different types of surfaces through electrostatic forces. This method of disinfecting can be applied to a number of different facility types such as healthcare, nursing, schools, offices and sports facilities.
 

What is electrostatic spraying?

Electrostatic sprayers work by charging liquids as they pass through a spray vessel nozzle. This generates charged droplets that repel one another and actively seek out different types of surfaces which they can stick to and embed in the harder to reach areas.
 

How long does electrostatic spraying last?

It’s not the application method that determines how long protection can last but rather the product that is being sprayed - each product would have its own unique length of time for remaining effective on the surface.
 

What can electrostatic spraying be used for?

Electrostatic spraying can be applied to a variety of different facilities and surfaces because it is able to penetrate the hard-to-reach areas that manual cleaning can miss. The technology also helps avoid liquid pooling often associated with trigger sprayers.
 

EPIX360, EM360 & EX7000
Electrostatic Sprayers