Uses Heat, Humidity To Decontaminate Planes

Could a machine one day stop the spread of a global pandemic through the air? That's the question Dr. Ronald Brown, and his partners at AeroClave LLC, are working to answer inside a large trailer at Orlando International Airport.

The Orlando Sentinel reports the company has moved up from its initial "office" -- a card table, shaded by the wing of a derelict DC-9 at the airport -- and AeroClave hopes to receive FAA certification soon as a recognized method to decontaminate planes.

"We believe AeroClave's technology may be promising, but its efficacy is for medical authorities to determine," said FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.

So, how does it work? The machine -- which fits on a tractor-trailer, so it isn't exactly small -- consists of large hoses that can be secured into an airplane... or another large structure like a storm shelter, or underground subway station... and blows superheated, humid air or chemicals into its contaminated target.

Brown says the machine kills flu germs... anthrax spores... and many other potential dangers to airline passengers.

Of course, the company also has to demonstrate that the machine won't damage whatever structure it is decontaminating... but Brown says he's optimistic that Airbus and Boeing will verify the machine is safe to use on their planes.

So far, several big names -- including Pentagon officials, and Florida Governor Jeb Bush -- have reportedly expressed interest in the system... but no takers just yet.

FMI: www.aeroclave.com