ChemDAQ Announces Collaboration with Leidos, Unveils Breakthrough Peracetic Acid Abatement Technology

PITTSBURGH, PA (Jan. 16, 2023) - Workplaces that use Peracetic Acid (PAA) can now be much safer as ChemDAQ, Inc. today announced a new collaboration effort with Leidos, a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader. Together, the companies bring to fruition a first-of-its kind Peracetic Acid Abatement System to significantly reduce workplace exposure to PAA vapor. 

The announcement comes after more than a year of research, development, and testing, which has demonstrated the ability to successfully abate PAA with a high level of efficiency within plant space levels of up to 2 parts per million (ppm). 

“Today is a great day for our customers and partners in the food and beverage industry, who are committed to keeping their workforce safe and operations moving efficiently,” said David Hilliker, President & CEO of ChemDAQ. “Our company created the first-ever PAA sensor on the market nearly a decade ago, and now we are bringing to life a first of its kind control technology for this pervasive antimicrobial chemical. PAA is found in the essential production operations of so many critical facilities across the globe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Leidos team to bring this technology to market.” 

The PAA Abatement System reduces airborne PAA from processing plant spaces using a combination of proprietary Leidos technology and ChemDAQ’s continuous, real-time monitors to provide a customized abatement system for PAA vapor.

As air is drawn in, ChemDAQ sensors measure and inform the system of incoming levels of PAA. The air then flows through Leidos’ proprietary technology and is tested a second time by ChemDAQ sensors to measure any residual PAA in the scrubbed air, which allows the system to measure removal efficiency in real-time. 

“We thought outside the box when we developed this system,” said James Gariepy, Vice President and Division Manager at Leidos. “Controlling PAA in the air was our initial objective, but further into development, the system evolved in a way that could provide cost savings and other benefits to potential customers. ChemDAQ has been a great partner with us every step of the way, and we’re excited to begin the rollout of this new technology in the coming months.” 

Built with large-scale plant efficiency in mind, the PAA Abatement System incorporates controls to manage plant-wide HVAC systems, decreases the need for make-up air and reduces plant exhaust. The result: reduced energy costs and cleaner, safer air. 

“ChemDAQ has been an industry leader in chemical monitoring for decades, and we’re excited and motivated by the opportunity to further the mission of eliminating workplace exposure to toxic chemicals through this innovative control technology. Thanks to new relationships, like the one we’ve formed with Leidos, our customers will be able to better understand and control their environment,” said Alex Hilliker, Chief Operating Officer at ChemDAQ. 

The PAA Abatement System is available for poultry processing plants, aseptic packaging facilities and other applications for industries that use PAA. 

If you are interested in learning more about this emerging technology, contact us today.