Abstract
A microbial barrier faucet with dual pipes, having a multiple capillary nozzle attached to the internal pipe and with clean air blown between the internal and external pipes, was manufactured and its performance was tested. This faucet prevented airborne microbial contamination when clean air was blown at a velocity of 4.5 m/sec. Water splashes occurring at initial water flow through the faucet were easily subject to contamination by direct contact with the contaminated external pipe end, and should be removed before subsequent use of the faucet. The principle of this faucet should be applicable for supplying not only distilled water but also sterile pharmaceutical solutions. Further application to sterile bottling in the beverage industry may also be possible.
