Device and methods for the production of chlorine dioxide vapor

Abstract

A device for producing chlorine dioxide vapor in a time release manner when exposed to ambient moisture is provided. The device comprises two outer membranes and an inner membrane. The outer and inner membranes are sealed together along the edges of the device. The outer and inner membranes together form a pouch comprising two separate compartments separated by the inner membrane. Each compartment is provided with a dry reactant (e.g. an acid component and a metal chlorite component) for producing chlorine dioxide vapor. The outer membranes are permeable to moisture and chlorine dioxide vapor, and impervious to liquid water and the dry reactants. The acid component in one of the compartments is hydrated by the moisture penetrated through the outer membranes, and the hydrated acid component is absorbed by the inner membrane and transported across the inner membrane to come into contact with the metal chlorite component in the other compartment to produce chlorine dioxide vapor. The chlorine dioxide vapor eventually slowly diffuses out of outer membranes into the surrounding environment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.