Spraying to defeat COVID-19

24th of June 2020
Spraying to defeat COVID-19
Spraying to defeat COVID-19

Graco has developed a range of high-production airless sprayers designed specifically to sanitise, disinfect and deodorise faster

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for disinfecting and sanitising is currently at an all-time high. This demand looks certain to increase as schools, businesses and public spaces begin to open, and cleaning standards become more strict.

Consequently, building maintenance staff are desperately looking for ever-faster disinfecting tools. Unfortunately, the current solutions on the market, such as spray bottles, electrostatic sprayers and fogging sprayers don't always do the trick in the fastest and most efficient way possible. This has led to maintenance staff inventing their own solutions, using tools designed to spray herbicides, fertilisers and paint.

But using improperly designed spraying equipment may lead to the opposite effect of what is intended. Surfaces may not be efficiently disinfected, and the equipment may be unsafe to use with the required virus-killing chemicals.

Graco's devices to spray disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2

As the global leader in fluid handling solutions, Graco is obligated to deliver safe and effective tools to help frontline workers fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has responded quickly to develop a complete equipment line-up that allows maintenance professionals and property owners to safely spray sanitisers, disinfectants and deodorisers faster with consistent coverage.

These devices are compatible with ingredients used in disinfectants to fight SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. They deliver the required atomisation with consistent coverage (without drips and runs) to achieve specified disinfectant surface dwell times required by chemical manufacturers. Specifically selected materials of construction are proven compatible with the harsh chemicals used to fight COVID-19. These are new products with their own branding and product appearance so as not be confused with Graco paint sprayers.

Why not spray disinfectant with current solutions?

Before looking into the details of Graco's airless disinfectant sprayers, it's good to be briefly reminded of why specialised equipment is necessary.

Spray bottles and pump sprayers may be inexpensive, simple and popular cleaning solutions but their application is slow and manual, and coverage is inconsistent. As they commonly lead to drips and runs, an additional step is required to wipe areas down.

Electrostatic sprayers are a slight improvement in that they provide better coverage on complex surfaces and speed up the process compared to pump sprayers. However, their small reservoirs require frequent filling and the application process is still relatively slow. They have a limited "wrap" effectiveness and are expensive for limited production.

Fogging sprayers have the ability to cover open areas quickly and are offered in portable configurations. However, fogging relies on filling the air inside a room with an unpleasant disinfectant mist. It's difficult to ensure proper coverage on all surfaces and to meet cleaning dwell times.

And what about traditional airless paint sprayers? Firstly, high pressure can over-atomise chemicals, causing harm to the applicator and/or people nearby, as well as reduce surface contact dwell times and affect the chemical's performance. Secondly, paint pumps are not built to spray disinfectant chemicals, which require alternative materials of construction for safe and reliable operation. Thirdly, there are quality and safety risks. Chemical incompatibility can attack critical components causing them to weaken and/or fail.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, it's clear that specialised equipment is necessary to apply disinfectants, sanitisers and deodorisers, to keep people and employees safe.

Graco's portfolio of disinfectant sprayers

The following products are suitable for arenas and athletic facilities; hospitality; transportation; food service; healthcare; housing; education and childcare. In fact, everywhere where the coronavirus is present.

• SaniSpray HP 10: A corded handheld sprayer that sprays up to 0.3 litres (10 ounces) per minute. It is designed specifically for household use, where small areas need to be sprayed quickly and efficiently. Its portability means it can be quickly taken from room to room. It even sprays upside-down.
• SaniSpray HP 20: This corded handheld sprayer doubles the spray capacity of the HP 10. Adjustable flow control delivers either a complete coverage on specific objects or a fine spray within an area.

• The SaniSpray HP 20 Cordless provides greater portability. It is provided ready-to-go, with two Dewalt 18V lithium-ion batteries and a charger.

• The SaniSpray HP 65 portable hopper sprayer allows for faster applications. Its pour-and-go 5.7 litre (1.5 gallon) hopper delivers extended spray time along with self-contained portability. Capable of spraying 1.9 litres (65 ounces) per minute, you can even attach a 90 metre (300 foot) hose to extend its reach.

• Rounding off the portfolio is the SaniSpray HP 130 2-gun cart sprayer. This is the highest production airless disinfectant sprayer available on the market today, spraying up to 3.8 litres (130 ounces) per minute. The simultaneous dual gun operation maximises disinfection rates. The cart's roll-and-go design makes it easy to move sprayer and chemical bucket together. It is delivered ready to use, with spray guns, hoses, spray extensions and a range of spray tips.

SaniSpray HP features

Looking under the hood of the Graco SaniSpray HP portfolio reveals a number of key features that make these products perfect for consistent and complete edge-to-edge surface application coverage.
Smart Control enables the operator to set the required performance for disinfecting applications from 0 to 69 bar (1,000 psi). Full range control delivers either complete coverage on specific objects or fine spray within an area.

The use of custom applicators is key. The airless gun is the most critical component the operator holds all day. Critical wetted parts have been upgraded to withstand the harsh chemicals found in disinfectants. The provision of 40 cm (15") extensions gives additional reach and reduces the risk of operators being exposed to chemicals.

The sprayers are designed to deliver the proper atomisation required to quickly and consistently coat surfaces to disinfect and sanitise efficiently. Interchangeable tips and adjustable pressure allow the desired particle size to be achieved. The devices are uniquely built with the highest grade materials that are compatible with disinfectants, sanitisers and deodorisers, unlike traditional airless paint equipment. Moreover, they deliver the highest productivity which helps to reduce operator fatigue.

The SaniSpray HP portfolio has easily recognisable colours to make them quickly differentiated from a traditional airless paint sprayer. This makes it easy for everyone to identify and avoid contact with potentially contaminated equipment. Finally, they are delivered with everything needed to start spraying now, right out of the box. Just add disinfectant and get to work.

More information

If you would like to know how to get your hands on Graco's SaniSpray HP airless disinfectant sprayers to battle against COVID-19, contact boris.vercammen@graco.com, who will get back to you immediately.

After delivery, Graco provides round-the-clock product support.

Find out more on www.graco.com/sanisprayhpsolution

 

 

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