JP2012095737A - Sterilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilization system for sterilizing a target treatment chamber, which reduces the amount of hydrogen peroxide to be used and to prevent temporal deterioration of components or the like of the sterilization system, while keeping the sterilization effect of the treatment chamber.SOLUTION: The sterilization system includes: an air circulation mechanism (10) which contains a circulation flow channel (11) for connecting an exhaust port (2a) and an air supply port (2b) of the treatment chamber (2) to circulate the air in the treatment chamber (2); a plasma discharge part (21) arranged in the circulation flow channel (11) and performing plasma discharge to generate active species for decomposing bacteria in the air; and a hydrogen peroxide supply part (30) for supplying hydrogen peroxide to the circulation flow channel (11).

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization system for sterilizing a processing chamber.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sterilization system (sterilization apparatus) is known that supplies hydrogen peroxide to a sealable processing chamber (for example, a pharmaceutical manufacturing room) to sterilize the processing chamber. For example, the sterilization apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a hydrogen peroxide supply passage provided with a hydrogen peroxide vapor generator that generates hydrogen peroxide vapor, and an air supply passage that supplies aseptic air to the processing chamber. . In this sterilizer, hydrogen peroxide vapor is supplied from the hydrogen peroxide supply passage to the processing chamber. Thereafter, aseptic air is introduced into the processing chamber from the air supply passage and hydrogen peroxide in the processing chamber is dispersed, so that the processing chamber is sterilized.

JP-A-10-328276

  By the way, when the treatment chamber is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, in order to obtain a sufficient sterilization effect, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the air in the treatment chamber must be maintained at about several hundred ppm for about 2-3 hours. . In that case, a relatively large amount of hydrogen peroxide water is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide water used while maintaining the sterilization effect of the processing chamber in a sterilization system for sterilizing the processing chamber to be sterilized. It is to reduce.

  1st invention makes object the sterilization system (1) which sterilizes the processing chamber (2) used as sterilization object, the exhaust port (2a) of the said processing chamber (2), and the air supply port of the said processing chamber (2) An air circulation mechanism (10) that circulates the air in the processing chamber (2) including a circulation channel (11) that connects (2b), and plasma discharge that is arranged in the circulation channel (11) A plasma discharge unit (21) that generates active species that decompose bacteria in the air, and a hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) that supplies hydrogen peroxide to the circulation channel (11), To do.

  In the first invention, the plasma discharge part (21) is arranged in the circulation channel (11) through which the air in the processing chamber (2) circulates. When plasma discharge is performed by the plasma discharge section (21), highly reactive active species (fast electrons, ions, ozone, OH radicals, etc.) are generated. These active species react with the bacteria in the air to decompose the bacteria in the air.

  Furthermore, in the first invention, hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the circulation channel (11) by the hydrogen peroxide supply section (30). This hydrogen peroxide also decomposes bacteria in the air. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide tends to remain in the air as compared with OH radicals and the like. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide is supplied over a relatively wide range, such as in the circulation channel (11) and the processing chamber (2), and decomposes bacteria in these spaces.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the plasma discharge section (21) is configured to perform streamer discharge.

  In the second invention, streamer discharge is performed in the air flowing through the circulation flow path (11). Since streamer discharge has a wider discharge range than other discharge methods (glow discharge, corona discharge, etc.), a relatively large number of active species are generated.

  According to the first invention, in order to sterilize the processing chamber (2) to be sterilized, not only hydrogen is supplied to the circulation channel (11) but also the air flowing through the circulation channel (11). Plasma discharge is performed in the inside. In this way, the inside of the processing chamber (2) can be kept cleaner compared to the case where the processing chamber (2) is sterilized only with hydrogen peroxide. In other words, even if the amount of hydrogen peroxide used is reduced, the cleanliness in the processing chamber (2) can be maintained. By reducing the amount of hydrogen peroxide used, the humidity in the air flowing through the circulation channel (11) and the processing chamber (2) can also be reduced. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of these members due to moisture adhering to the wall of the processing chamber (2), the duct forming the circulation channel (11), or the like. Furthermore, since the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the air decreases when the amount of hydrogen peroxide used is reduced, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the ducts forming the processing chamber (2) and the circulation channel (11). .

  According to the said 2nd invention, since many active species are produced | generated by streamer discharge, more bacteria in the air can be decomposed | disassembled.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a sterilization system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the discharge unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or its use.

-Overall configuration-
The sterilization system (1) according to this embodiment is for sterilizing a sealed processing chamber (2) in which a chemical production line or the like is installed. Although the inside of the processing chamber (2) is kept at a relatively high cleanliness, for example, when an operator enters or leaves the processing chamber (2), bacteria or the like may enter from the outside. On the other hand, by using the sterilization system (1), the bacteria flowing into the processing chamber (2) can be decomposed. As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization system (1) includes an air circulation mechanism (10), an air purification unit (20), and a hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30).

  The air circulation mechanism (10) includes a circulation channel (11) and a fan (12). The circulation channel (11) is formed of, for example, a stainless steel pipe. The starting end of the circulation channel (11) is connected to the exhaust port (2a) of the processing chamber (2), and the end is connected to the air supply port (2b) of the processing chamber (2). A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, not shown) is attached to the exhaust port (2a) and the air supply port (2b). The fan (12) is disposed in the circulation channel (11). The fan (12) constitutes a transport mechanism that transports air from the start end side to the end end side (thick arrow direction in FIG. 1) of the circulation flow path (11).

  The air purification unit (20) includes a discharge unit (21) and a catalyst filter (22). The discharge part (21) and the catalyst filter (22) are arranged in the order of the discharge part (21) and the catalyst filter (22) from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flowing through the circulation channel (11).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge part (21) includes a discharge electrode (23), a counter electrode (24) facing the discharge electrode (23), and a discharge electrode (23) and a counter electrode (24). And a power supply unit (25) for applying a voltage therebetween. The discharge part (21) constitutes a plasma discharge part that performs streamer discharge, which is a kind of plasma discharge, between the discharge electrode (23) and the counter electrode (24).

  The catalyst filter (22) is, for example, a catalyst supported on the surface of a substrate having a honeycomb structure. As this catalyst, one that further activates a highly reactive substance in the low-temperature plasma generated by discharge, such as a manganese-based catalyst or a noble metal-based catalyst, and promotes decomposition of harmful components and odor components in the air is used. . Furthermore, the catalyst filter (22) carries activated carbon and has an adsorption performance for the component to be treated in the air to be treated.

  The hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) includes a hydrogen peroxide generator (31), a hydrogen peroxide supply path (32), and a supply path opening / closing mechanism (33). The hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) is connected to a branch path (13) that branches from a portion of the circulation channel (11) that is upstream of the air purification unit (20).

  The hydrogen peroxide generator (31) is configured to generate hydrogen peroxide gas from hydrogen peroxide water. Specifically, the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) includes a generation unit (31a) that generates hydrogen peroxide gas, and a supply unit (31b) that supplies hydrogen peroxide water to the generation unit (31a). It has. The generation unit (31a) generates hydrogen peroxide gas by atomizing the hydrogen peroxide solution dropped and supplied from the supply unit (31b) with hot air to vaporize the generation unit (31a). It is configured. The supply unit (31b) is configured to increase or decrease the amount of hydrogen peroxide supplied to the generation unit (31a) in response to a signal from a concentration control unit (16) described in detail later. As the hydrogen peroxide solution, for example, a stock solution having a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 35% is used.

  The hydrogen peroxide supply channel (32) supplies the hydrogen peroxide gas generated by the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) to the portion of the circulation channel (11) where the air purification unit (20) is disposed. This is the supply path. The hydrogen peroxide supply path (32) includes a first supply path (32a) and a second supply path (32b). The start end of the first supply path (32a) is connected to the hydrogen peroxide generator (31), and the end is connected to the upstream side of the discharge section (21) in the air purification section (20). The start end of the second supply path (32b) is connected to the hydrogen peroxide generator (31), and the end is connected to a portion between the discharge part (21) and the catalyst filter (22) in the air purification part (20). ing.

  The supply path opening / closing mechanism (33) includes two opening / closing valves (34a, 34b) and an opening / closing valve control unit (35) for controlling the two opening / closing valves (34a, 34b). The two on-off valves are provided in the first supply passage (32a) and open and close the first supply passage (32a), and the second supply passage (32b) is provided in the second supply passage (32a). The second on-off valve (34b) opens and closes the passage (32b). These on-off valves (34a, 34b) are configured to open and close in response to signals from the on-off valve control section (35). The on-off valve controller (35) is configured to transmit a signal for opening the first on-off valve (34a) or a signal for closing the first on-off valve (34a) to the first on-off valve (34a). A signal for opening or closing the on-off valve (34b) is transmitted to the second on-off valve (34b).

  The sterilization system (1) includes a hydrogen peroxide concentration meter (15) and a concentration control unit (16). The hydrogen peroxide concentration meter (15) is for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the processing chamber (2), and is attached to a predetermined position in the processing chamber (2). The concentration control unit (16) controls the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas generated from the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) according to the hydrogen peroxide concentration value measured by the hydrogen peroxide concentration meter (15). Is to do. Specifically, the concentration control unit (16) reduces the amount of hydrogen peroxide water supplied to the generation unit (31a) when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the processing chamber (2) becomes higher than a predetermined value. When the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the processing chamber (2) is lower than the predetermined value, a signal indicating that the amount of hydrogen peroxide supplied to the generation unit (31a) is increased. The signal is transmitted to the supply unit (31b).

-Driving action-
When the fan (12) of the air circulation mechanism (10) is driven in the sterilization system (1), the air in the processing chamber (2) is exhausted from the exhaust port (2a), and the circulation channel (11) and air After flowing through the purification section (20), it flows into the processing chamber (2) from the air supply port (2b). Thereby, the air in the processing chamber (2) circulates through the circulation channel (11).

<Operation of the air purification unit and hydrogen peroxide supply unit>
When the power supply unit (25) of the discharge unit (21) is activated, streamer discharge is performed in the air flowing through the circulation channel (11) by the discharge unit (21). When streamer discharge is performed, active species such as OH radicals are generated. The active species generated in this way decompose bacteria in the air. Furthermore, since these active species are further activated by the catalytic filter (22), they strongly decompose bacteria in the air.

  The hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) supplies the hydrogen peroxide gas generated by the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) to the circulation channel (11). Specifically, in the hydrogen peroxide generator (31), the supply unit (31b) supplies the hydrogen peroxide solution to the generation unit (31a). The generator (31a) generates hydrogen peroxide gas by refining the hydrogen peroxide solution with hot air. The amount of hydrogen peroxide solution supplied from the supply unit (31b) of the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) to the generation unit (31a) is controlled by the concentration control unit (16). Thereby, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide generated by the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) is kept constant.

  The hydrogen peroxide gas flows into the air purification section (20) through the first supply path (32a) or the second supply path (32b). Specifically, when the first on-off valve (34a) is opened and the second on-off valve (34b) is closed by the on-off valve controller (35), the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the first supply path (32a). ) To the upstream side of the discharge part (21) in the air purification part (20). Further, when the first on-off valve (34a) is closed and the second on-off valve (34b) is opened by the on-off valve control unit (35), the hydrogen peroxide gas passes through the second supply path (32b). It flows into the part between the discharge part (21) and the catalyst filter (22) in the purification part (20). The hydrogen peroxide supplied to the circulation channel (11) in this way decomposes bacteria by reacting with the bacteria in the air.

  Active species such as radicals generated in the discharge part (21) and hydrogen peroxide supplied to the air purification part (20) by the hydrogen peroxide supply part (30) together with the air flowing through the circulation channel (11) It flows into the processing chamber (2). As a result, the air in the processing chamber (2) is sterilized by the active species and hydrogen peroxide. In particular, since hydrogen peroxide tends to remain in the air as compared with active species such as radicals, it is supplied in a relatively wide range in the processing chamber (2). For this reason, the hydrogen peroxide produced | generated with the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) contributes to decomposition | disassembly of the microbe adhering to the wall surface in a process chamber (2) especially. On the other hand, the bacteria floating in the processing chamber (2) flow from the exhaust port (2a) to the discharge part (21) of the air purification part (20) through the circulation channel (11). And this microbe is decomposed | disassembled by the active species which generate | occur | produces in the discharge part (21) vicinity.

-Effect of the embodiment-
As described above, in the sterilization system (1) according to the present embodiment, the discharge part (21) that performs the streamer discharge is disposed in the circulation channel (11), and the hydrogen peroxide gas is present in the circulation channel (11). Hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) for supplying Thereby, the air can be sterilized with both active species such as radicals and hydrogen peroxide gas. Therefore, even if the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas used is reduced, a sterilizing effect equivalent to the case of sterilizing the air with only hydrogen peroxide gas can be maintained. Further, by reducing the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas used, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the processing chamber (2) and the circulation channel (11) is reduced. For this reason, since the humidity in the air can be reduced, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the piping constituting the circulation channel (11), the wall surface of the processing chamber (2), and the like. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the piping and wall surfaces by reducing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the streamer discharge is performed in the discharge part (21). Streamer discharge is performed over a wider range than other discharge methods (glow discharge, corona discharge, etc.). As a result, since a relatively large number of active species are generated, the air can be efficiently sterilized.

In the above embodiment, the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas generated is adjusted according to the value of the hydrogen peroxide concentration meter (15) attached to the processing chamber (2). The concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be kept within a predetermined range.
-Other embodiments-
About the said embodiment, you may make it the following structures.

  In the above embodiment, the discharge section (21) is configured to perform streamer discharge, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to perform other plasma discharge (corona discharge or glow discharge), for example.

  In the above embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide gas generated by the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) is supplied through either the first supply path (32a) or the second supply path (32b). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, only one supply path communicating from the hydrogen peroxide generator (31) to the circulation flow path (11) may be provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the sterilization system was applied to the production line of a chemical | medical agent, it is not restricted to this, It can also apply to a hospital etc.

  As described above, the present invention is particularly useful for sterilizing a processing chamber to be sterilized such as a chemical production line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sterilization system 2 Processing chamber 2a Exhaust port 2b Air supply port 10 Air circulation mechanism 11 Circulation flow path 21 Discharge part (plasma discharge part)
30 Hydrogen peroxide supply unit

Claims (2)

A sterilization system for sterilizing a processing chamber (2) to be sterilized,
It includes a circulation channel (11) that connects the exhaust port (2a) of the processing chamber (2) and the air supply port (2b) of the processing chamber (2), and circulates the air in the processing chamber (2). An air circulation mechanism (10),
A plasma discharge part (21) that is arranged in the circulation channel (11) and generates active species that decompose bacteria in the air by performing plasma discharge;
A sterilization system comprising: a hydrogen peroxide supply unit (30) for supplying hydrogen peroxide to the circulation channel (11). In claim 1,
The said plasma discharge part (21) is comprised so that streamer discharge may be performed, The sterilization system characterized by the above-mentioned.

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