“Invented by NASA, developed by DECONTEX”
The cleaning technology with liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) was originally used to decontaminate astronaut equipment after space missions. Based on this process, Decontex developed a broad spectrum decontamination technology for a wide range of applications including workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
CO₂ is a natural substance that is colourless, tasteless and odourless. Produced as a by-product of industrial production, it easily penetrates the surface of clothing and other personal protective equipment.
It “sweeps” away dirt and contamination and dissolves chemical substances that are dangerous to firemen’s health and life.
Elimination of all toxic substances below legally permitted levels
High level disinfection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses,…)
Removal of particle contamination (heavy metals, asbestos,…)
At Decontex, we have taken pressurized CO2 and we have further enhanced and tailored the technology to effectively clean and decontaminate PPE. Our advanced solution encompasses proprietary machines, liquids and processes
High performance decontamination machine based on pressurized CO₂
Heavy duty CO₂-liquids
Decon processes & software
SAFE
COMPLIANCY of the gear to the main functional requirements according to the applicable standards
Sustainable
SIGNIFICANT and PROVEN longer lifetime of the fire gear (total cost of ownership)
Verified and accurate
ISO CERTIFIED PROCES, GUARANTEE QUALITY AND LEAD TIME
Environmentally friendly
Low energy process, waterless, zero contaminants in wastewater, CO₂-neutral transport with selected partners.
Firefighters’ specialized gear does not fare well in washing machines. Tumble washing and drying can damage their construction, especially the delicate moisture barrier.
Cleaning your firefighter’s gear in this manner reduces its service time. Detergents mixed with water also fail to remove hazardous substances. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) persist in fabrics even after numerous washes.
Cleaning with ‘dry’ chemicals is also not a viable solution. While it doesn’t harm fabrics, it fails to eliminate biological factors harmful to health. Wearing such contaminated gear for months or even years increases the risk of developing cancers.
The only effective way to eliminate toxic compounds from fire gear is through the professional Decontex decontamination service.
| INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY CLEANINGH₂O - ISO 15759 | DECONTEX® DECONTAMINATIONDCX scCO₂ | INDUSTRIAL DRY CLEANINGLIQUID CO₂ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION | 0 | +++ | + |
| Removal toxic compounds textiles | + | +++ | + |
| Removal toxic compounds membranes/laminates | - | +++ | + |
| Cross-contamination | - | ++ | 0 |
| BIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION | + | +++ | + |
| Killing bacteria | + | +++ | + |
| Inactivation and removal virus | + | ++ | + |
| Removal smell | 0 | ++ | + |
| PHYSICAL DECONTAMINATION | + | ++ | 0 |
| Removal dirt | ++ | ++ | 0 |
| Removal particles (heavy metals, asbestos) | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| LIFETIME GEAR | + | +++ | - |
| Impact textiles | + | +++ | 0 |
| Impact visibility | + | ++ | - |
| Impact moisture barrier | + | +++ | 0 |
| Impact breathability | 0 | ++ | + |
| Impact anti-static | - | ++ | ++ |
| Certification EN469 | 50 | >250 | 2 |
| REACTIVATION GEAR | + | ++ | 0 |
| Reïmpregnation gear EN469 | + | ++ | 0 |
| Reactivation visibility EN20471 | 0 | + | 0 |
| Reactivation heat protection EN367/EN6942 | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| IMPACT ENVIRONMENT | - | +++ | ++ |
| Energy consumption | - | +++ | + |
| CO₂ emission | - | +++ | ++ |
| Water consumption | - | +++ | + |
| Waste(water) dumping | 0 | ++ | ++ |
Not only do we care for the PPE of our protectors, but we also do our bit in contributing to a greener world. A traditional cleaning process is determined by 4 elements: time, temperature, chemistry & mechanics. Decontex introduces a fifth element: pressure. This optimal combination makes it possible to use less energy.
Furthermore, the toxins released from the garment during the decontamination process are responsibly collected and safely processed by a specialized company. This means no hazardous substances end up in the environment.
After decontamination, we carefully inspect your gear to make sure it has been properly cleaned and to identify any damage incurred during an intervention. If needed, we perform repairs according to applicable standards, ensuring a completely safe working uniform. Additionally, repairing extends gear lifespan, which equals reducing waste from purchasing replacements.
After undergoing decontamination, repair services, and quality control, your now immaculate work attire is ready to be used again during interventions.
© 2023 Decontex
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