BG113182A - Sterilizer, system and method for sterilizing air intended for breathing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to devices for sterilizing air intended for breathing, a system and method for the sterilization of air in confined spaces by which complete destruction of microorganisms is provided by raising the temperature of the molecules and particles contained in the air. The sterile air is delivered into a respiratory mask or room/space. The invention solves the problem of insufficient air disinfection. The task of the invention is to ensure complete inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in the air stream, which is intended to be inhaled, by heating to a high temperature for a short period of time. A further task of the invention is to create a device-a sterilizer. Another task of the invention is to use the sterilizer in conditions without a working energy infrastructure, in disaster and emergency conditions. It is a task of the invention that the sterilizer- the device is portable and can be implemented in several embodiments. It is also a task of the invention to provide a sterilizer-device without available conventional sources of electricity. A further task is that the dimensions of the device are such that it is suitable for prolonged carrying and allows sufficient freedom to carry out certain working operations and to create a stationary device that can be installed in rooms as well as sterilizing the outlet air. A further task is also to provide a system, method and scheme for the operation of the system for sterilising indoor air. The proposed method is of sterilization by heating to be applied to indoor air or to the air in individual respiratory systems, as this will ensure complete destruction of microorganisms.

Description

A declaration of license readiness has been submitted under Article 3 of the ZPRPM

Sterilizer, system and method for sterilizing breathing air

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to devices for sterilization of air intended for breathing, a system and a method for the sterilization of air in closed rooms, with which complete destruction of microorganisms is ensured by increasing the temperature of the molecules and particles contained in the air. Sterile air is supplied in a respirator or room/space.

A system, method and scheme of operation of the indoor air sterilization system have been established The proposed method of sterilization, by heating, to be applied to indoor air or to air in individual respiratory systems, as this will ensure complete destruction of microorganisms

Prior art:

Complete destruction of microorganisms can be achieved by heating the air to a high temperature. This is a traditional method of sterilization that is used to process medical instruments and devices. The processing is practically carried out by placing the tools in an airtight cabinet and heating them to a temperature of 120-160°C for 15-30 minutes. Indoor air is disinfected by filtration, ultraviolet light irradiation or ozonation. Air in individual respiratory systems is disinfected by filtration. Disinfection, by filtration, irradiation with ultraviolet light or ozonation, is not sufficient for the complete destruction of microorganisms.

Working in an infectious environment requires disinfection or sterilization of the atmosphere in the room or the air that is breathed individually. The following air treatment methods are currently used for disinfection:

In rooms with the help of stationary devices through Filtration dry, wet, electrostatic;

Ozonation; Ultraviolet radiation

Air for individual breathing processed by a portable device-dry filtration. These methods disinfect the air to varying degrees, including up to 99.99% for dry HEPA filters. This is not enough when it comes to highly contagious pathogens. When they get into the respiratory system, they are capable of causing infection even in small doses or individually. In such cases, sterilization of the atmosphere or inactivation of all pathogens without exception is necessary.

Known are:

-Patent-CM204246550. The difference is in the principle of sterilization.

In this patent, in which there is a breathing mask, a breathing tube, a gas filter membrane for inhaling, exhaling, a charger, disinfection is carried out using an ultraviolet lamp, while in the proposed solution, sterilization is carried out by heating to a high temperature.

-Patents-SK2577873 and CN1442205. The difference is in the principle of sterilization.

In this patent, sterilization is performed using a chemical disinfectant solution.

-Patent-SK205019470. The difference is that it is not sterilized air for breathing, but the waste liquid, which contains bacteria.

-Patent-i82020139000. The difference is in the principle of sterilization.

In this patent, sterilization is performed using a photocatalytic reaction.

-Patents that use heated air for sterilization of medical instruments-CN 105412952A,CN 101332305A.JP2001333972А

These patents use hot air and an ultraviolet lamp to sterilize medical instruments. The difference is that it is not sterilizing breathing air, but sterilizing medical instruments using hot air.

-Patent-EP2279674- Method for sterilization of granules, powder by heat for the purpose of destruction of killing microorganisms.

Technical essence of the invention:

The concentration of disease-causing microorganisms is particularly high in rooms where there are people with an ongoing infectious disease. This creates a risk of spreading the disease to other people in the same room or nearby outside it.

Air carries microorganisms that could cause disease if they enter the respiratory system. Most often these are fungi, viruses or bacteria. Their size varies and lies in the interval from 50nm (nanometers) to 5000nm, and their concentration can reach several million per cubic meter. The concentration of disease-causing microorganisms is particularly high in rooms where there are people with an ongoing infectious disease. This creates a risk of spreading the disease to other people in the same room or nearby outside it. It is necessary to disinfect the air in such rooms. Most often this is done by filtration, irradiation with ultraviolet light or ozonation. These disinfection methods proved to be insufficient to completely eliminate pathogens. There always remains a certain amount of microorganisms capable of reproduction. They are a major source of contagion in medical personnel, as has been shown in the emerging coronavirus pandemic. In this particular case, this is due to the fact that the size of the coronaviruses is 100 µm, and is significantly smaller than the diameter of the pores in the respiratory masks, which are on average ZOOpt.

The invention solves the problem of insufficient air disinfection.

The task of the invention is to ensure complete deactivation of completely pathogenic microorganisms in the air flow, which is intended for inhalation, by heating to a high temperature in a short period of time. An additional task of the invention is the creation of a device - a sterilizer. An additional task of the invention is to use the sterilizer in conditions without a working energy infrastructure, in conditions of disasters and accidents.

The task of the invention is that the sterilizer-device should be portable and can be implemented in several variants. A task of the invention is also a sterilizer-device without the availability of conventional sources of electricity.

An additional task is that the dimensions of the device should be adapted to the fact that it is suitable for long-term wear and gives enough freedom to carry out certain work operations and create a stationary device to be installed in rooms, as well as the TASK is and sterilization of the outgoing air.

An additional task is to provide a method and scheme for the operation of the air sterilization system in closed rooms. The task and the proposed method is sterilization, by heating, to be applied to the air in rooms or to the air in individual respiratory systems, since this will guarantees complete destruction of microorganisms.

Initially, the air is filtered of all particles larger than 300 nanometers in size. These are liquid drops that carry a large part of the microorganisms, solid particles, as well as single microorganisms of a sufficiently large size.

These tasks are solved by creating a sterilizer device for air sterilization, which consists of:

Sterilizer/ portable or stationary/ contains:

Filter, Compressor, Heater, Collector, Heat exchanger/cooler/, Control and management device/ in computer/.

The sterilizer can be stationary and portable:

Sterilization is carried out by increasing the temperature of the molecules and particles that are contained in the air. The rise in temperature can take place either directly or indirectly. Heat transfer is molecular, convective, radiation or induction. For example, heating can be done directly by an electric heater or indirectly by a gas flame burner. The main parameters of the system are temperature and time for sterilization. These parameters can be adjusted depending on the target pathogen or group of pathogens. The operating temperature range is between 300°C and 800°C, and the sterilization time between 1 and 60 seconds.

According to the invention, a basic block diagram of the main stages of air sterilization and a method of operation of the system is created

Figure 1 shows the created block diagram of the main stages and of the air treatment in the portable sterilizer or for a stationary sterilizer:

1. Filtering - before entering the system, the air is filtered. The purpose of the stage is to separate the pathogens, which are mainly contained in small drops of liquid. Only single microorganisms pass through the filter.

2. Pressurization - after filtration, the air pressure is increased by a compressor. From this stage onwards the entire system is at a pressure higher than atmospheric. The purpose is to prevent the ingress of external non-sterile air in the event of depressurization of any of the components.

3. Heating - air enters a heating zone and is heated to the required temperature. The temperature is sufficient to destroy the microorganisms. The heater can be electric or gas as the heating takes place in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger isolates the heater from the heated air. For example, if the heater is gas, then the exhaust gases from it do not mix with the breathing air. At the exit of the heating zone, the air has reached the set temperature for sterilization.

4. Expansion - after leaving the heating zone, the air expands in a collector. The collector holds the air for a certain time, which is enough to guarantee sterilization.

5. Cooling - the heated air after the collector enters for cooling. Cooling is done in an air-to-air heat exchanger. After reaching a suitable temperature for inhalation, the air is supplied to a sealed respiratory device, mask/helmet or to a stationary sterilizer.

The system includes:

1. HEPA type air filter with retention of particles larger than 500 microns. before entering the system the air is filtered. The purpose of the stage is to separate the pathogens, which are mainly contained in small drops of liquid. Only single microorganisms pass through the filter.

2. A compressor with a pressure of not less than 15 atmospheres and a flow rate of 20 liters/minute - after filtering, the air pressure is increased by a compressor. From this stage onwards, the entire system, as well as the room in which it operates, has a pressure higher than atmospheric. The purpose is to prevent external non-sterile air from entering in the event of depressurization of any of the components or the room.

3. Heating in a heat exchanger with a thermo-contact mass. Heating can be done with an electric heater or a gas flame burner. The heating power is adjustable from 100 to 500 watts. - the air enters the heating zone and is heated to the required temperature of 300-800gr. The temperature is sufficient to destroy the microorganisms.

The heater can be electric or gas as the heating takes place in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger isolates the heater from the heated air. For example, if the heater is gas, then the exhaust gases from it do not mix with the breathing air. At the exit of the heating zone, the air has reached the set temperature for sterilization.

4. Buffer collector - air flow distributor in several coolers - after leaving the heating zone, the air expands into a collector. The collector holds the air for a certain time, which is enough to guarantee sterilization.

5. Air-to-air heat exchanger with forced adjustable cooling - after leaving the heating zone, the air expands in a collector. The collector holds the air for a certain time, which is enough to guarantee sterilization. Buffer collector - air flow distributor in several coolers

6. Valve system for regulating the temperature and pressure of the outgoing air - the heated air after the collector enters for cooling.

—Cooling is done in an air-to-air heat exchanger. After reaching a suitable temperature for inhalation, the air is supplied to the room.

7. Control and management system.

8. The device /Sterilizer/portable or stationary/ feeds the air into a hermetic mask or helmet with the help of a direct and non-return valve or into a room without the need for a valve system.

The created air sterilization system is also suitable for closed rooms, as well as the method of operation of this system. The sterilization system and method is suitable for any closed premises where complete destruction of pathogenic microorganisms is required.

The system is suitable for any habitable premises where air sterilization is required, including operating theaters and others requiring sterilized air.

The figure shows a block diagram of the main processing stages through which the air passes in the sterilizers:

6. Filtering - before entering the system, the air is filtered. The purpose of the stage is to separate the pathogens, which are mainly contained in small drops of liquid. Only single microorganisms pass through the filter.

7. Pressure increase - after filtration, the air pressure is increased by a compressor. From this stage onwards, the entire system, as well as the room in which it operates, has a pressure higher than atmospheric. The purpose is to prevent external non-sterile air from entering in the event of depressurization of any of the components or the room.

8. Heating - the air enters a heating zone and is heated to the required temperature. The temperature is sufficient to destroy the microorganisms. The heater can be electric or gas as the heating takes place in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger isolates the heater from the heated air. For example, if the heater is gas, then the exhaust gases from it do not mix with the breathing air. At the exit of the heating zone, the air has reached the set temperature for sterilization.

9. Expansion - after leaving the heating zone, the air expands in a collector. The collector holds the air for a certain time, which is enough to guarantee sterilization.

10. Cooling - the heated air after the collector enters for cooling. Cooling is done in an air-to-air heat exchanger. After reaching a suitable temperature for inhalation, the air is supplied to the room.

11. The device /Sterilizer/ portable or stationary/ supplies the air in a hermetic mask or helmet with the help of a direct and non-return valve or in a room without the need for a valve system.

Each of the sterilizers can be equipped with sensors suitable for the specific implementation to be monitored remotely by a computerized system

Regarding the method of operation and control:

The user sets the operating mode of the sterilizer in advance. These are air flow rate and sterilization temperature. For example, a set flow rate of 40 cubic meters/hour and a sterilization temperature of 400 degrees Celsius. After starting work, the sterilizer automatically maintains the set parameters.

The system can work by setting values/or intervals of the parameters from the management server, for example, but not only: temperature, time, hours of operation..

It is preferable to order the set parameters in order of priority and after giving a command from/ manually or automatically/ to send the data to the device.

Initially, the air is filtered of all particles larger than 300 nanometers in size. These are liquid drops that carry a large part of the microorganisms, solid particles, as well as single microorganisms of a sufficiently large size.

The proposed invention realizes the conditions thus set by the method of "High-speed and high-temperature sterilization". This means that the temperature of the air stream rises enough to completely destroy all pathogens in a short time. Sterilization is carried out by increasing the temperature of the molecules and particles that are contained in the air. The rise in temperature can take place either directly or indirectly. Heat transfer is molecular, convective, radiation or induction. For example, heating can be done directly by an electric heater or indirectly by a gas flame burner. The main parameters of the system are temperature and time for sterilization. These parameters can be adjusted depending on the target pathogen or group of pathogens. The operating temperature range is between 300°C and 800°C, and the sterilization time between 1 and 60 seconds.

According to the invention, air sterilization devices have been created.

In one of the variants of implementation is the portable sterilizer, which meets the set task and is developed in different variants.

A reason that leads to the creation of a portable air sterilization device is to solve the problem of insufficient disinfection of breathing air.

Complete destruction of microorganisms can be achieved by heating the air to a high temperature. This is a traditional method of sterilization that is used to process medical instruments and devices. The processing is practically carried out by placing the tools in an airtight cabinet and heating them to a temperature of 120-160°C for 15-30 minutes. The same principle of sterilization can also be applied to air for individual consumption, but with the following limiting conditions and their consequences:

• The sterilizer must be portable and therefore light and convenient to carry • The sterilization time must be short, in the range of 1 to 60 seconds, because there is not enough volume to store air in between • The sterilization temperature must be high, due to the fact that the sterilization time is short • Due to the high sterilization temperature, the device must be safe to use • As a consequence of the high sterilization speed, a sufficiently powerful energy source must be available • From the need for the device to be compact, the processes are carried out in highly efficient heat exchangers • The energy source determines the design features of the device.

A. A portable sterilizer is a pre-accumulation of thermal energy (Fig. 2)

The energy in this type of sterilizer is stored in a thermal accumulator. The role of a heat accumulator is performed by the thermo-contact mass, which is located in the heating heat exchanger.

The way to work with this device is:

1. The sterilizer is heated by an electric heater for 15 minutes to an operating temperature of 600°C. When this temperature is reached, the sterilizer switches itself off and gives a sound and light signal that it is ready for use.

2. The sterilizer is placed on its back. It is turned on with a button that activates the compressor. When the air begins to enter the mask, it is placed on the face. There is a display on the sterilizer housing that shows the remaining operating time. After a certain period of use, the temperature of the thermal contact mass decreases and reaches a predetermined lower limit, for example 30°C. Sound and light signals are produced, warning that a contaminated area must be vacated within 20 minutes.

3. After leaving the contaminated area, the mask and sterilizer are removed. During 15 minutes, the device and the mask are disinfected with a chemical agent. The thermal contact mass is reheated, after which the apparatus is ready for use again

Action of the device is (Figure):

The air enters the system through the filter F. It is pressurized by the compressor and through the regulating valve Kg it is supplied to the gas distribution chamber. From there it passes through several layers of thermo-contact mass of porcelain spheres. It is fed into the cooling and recovery system through valve Ки. The Ki valve regulates the pressure in the respiratory mask. The pressure is always higher than atmospheric in order to prevent infiltration of non-sterile air in the event of a defect in the system's pressurization. The thermal sensor Τι controls the forced ventilation system Bi and regulates the temperature of the breathing air. The emergency valve Kz is activated in the event that the valve Kg fails.

B. To solve another task of the invention is to create a portable sterilizer with gas flame heating (fig.3)

The energy in this type of sterilizer is obtained by burning a suitable liquefied gas, for example propane-butane.

The way to work with this device is:

1. The sterilizer is placed on its back. It is switched on with a button that ignites the gas heating system and activates the compressor. It waits until the operating temperature is reached in the heating zone. This is indicated by a green light signal. The mask is placed on the face. There is a display on the sterilizer housing that shows the remaining operating time. After a certain period of use, the fuel runs out. Sound and light signals are produced, warning that a contaminated area must be vacated within 20 minutes.

2. After leaving the contaminated area, the mask and sterilizer are removed. During 15 minutes, the device and the mask are disinfected with a chemical agent. The fuel gas cylinder is charged, after which the apparatus is ready for use again

Action of the device is (fig. 3):

The gas heating system is started with a button. The air enters the system through the filter F. It is pressurized by the compressor and fed into the heating heat exchanger through the regulating valve Kg. The amount of gas burned is regulated by the thermostat of the heating zone Tg. The heating heat exchanger is made of a thermo-contact mass of copper lamellae. The heated air is fed into the cooling and recuperation system through valve К. The Ki valve regulates the pressure in the respiratory mask. The pressure is always higher than atmospheric in order to prevent infiltration of non-sterile air in the event of a defect in the system's pressurization. The thermal sensor Τι controls the forced ventilation system Bi and regulates the temperature of the breathing air. The emergency valve Kz is activated in the event that the valve Kg fails.

C. To solve another task of the invention is to create a portable sterilizer with electric heating (fig. 4)

The heating of this type of sterilizer is carried out by a suitable, electric battery, for example a lithium-ion battery.

The way to work with this device is:

1. The sterilizer is placed on its back. It is turned on with a button that turns on the electric heating system and activates the compressor. It waits until the operating temperature is reached in the heating zone. This is indicated by a green light signal. The mask is placed on the face. There is a display on the sterilizer housing that shows the remaining operating time. After a certain period of use, the energy in the electric battery is depleted. Sound and light signals are produced, warning that a contaminated area must be vacated within 20 minutes.

2. After leaving the contaminated area, the mask and sterilizer are removed. Within 15 minutes, the device and the mask are disinfected with a chemical preparation. The exhausted electric battery is replaced with a charged one, after which the device is ready for use again.

Action of the device is (Figure 4):

The electric heating system is switched on. The air enters the system through the filter F. It is pressurized by the compressor and fed into the heating heat exchanger through the regulating valve Kg. The heat emitted by the electric heater is regulated by the thermoregulator of the heat zone Tg. The heating heat exchanger is made of a thermo-contact mass of copper lamellae. The heated air is fed into the cooling and recuperation system through valve К. The Ki valve regulates the pressure in the respiratory mask. The pressure is always higher than atmospheric in order to prevent infiltration of non-sterile air in the event of a defect in the system's pressurization. The thermal sensor Τι controls the forced ventilation system Bi and regulates the temperature of the breathing air. The emergency valve Kz is activated in the event that the valve Kg fails.

Advantages of the created portable sterilizer according to the invention:

• Complete air sterilization. There is not a single microorganism in the exhaust air that can cause an infectious disease.

• If necessary, the sterilizer can simultaneously process not only incoming but also outgoing air flows.

• The pressure in the sealed respirator is higher than atmospheric. This prevents non-sterile air from entering in case of depressurization • Depending on the energy source, the unit can provide a period of autonomous use from several hours to several days.

• The device can be used in conditions without working energy infrastructure, in conditions of disasters and accidents.

• The portable sterilizer can be made in several versions. One of them can provide a long period of autonomous use in disaster conditions without conventional power sources being available.

• The dimensions of the device are designed to be suitable for long-term wear and to give enough freedom to carry out certain work operations.

In another variant of the implementation of the tasks of the invention is the creation of a stationary sterilizer:

Stationary sterilizer: (figure 6 ) :

This sterilizer solves the problem of insufficient indoor air disinfection.

Complete destruction of microorganisms can be achieved by heating the air to a high temperature. This is a traditional method of sterilization that is used to process medical instruments and devices. The processing is practically carried out by placing the tools in an airtight cabinet and heating them to a temperature of 120-160°C for 15-30 minutes. The same principle of sterilization can also be applied to indoor air, but with the following limiting conditions and their consequences:

Sensors for germs, viruses can be installed in these enclosed spaces.

Other harmful gases, temperature, with remote control system, can also be controlled by phone.

Operating mode of the sterilizer:

1. The air is filtered

2. It is then compressed by a compressor

3. The compressor supplies air to the heating zone

4. The heated air is discharged into a buffer collector

5. The collector distributes the air flow in a cooling and recuperation zone

6. Air cooled to the appropriate temperature is discharged into the room when the sterilizer is stationary or into the breathing mask when the sterilizer is portable.

7. The pressure, temperature and volume of the heat exchange zones depend directly on the previously set working parameters.

The main parameters of the model are temperature and sterilization time. These parameters can be adjusted depending on the target pathogen or group of pathogens. For example, for the deactivation of influenza viruses, the mode is a temperature of 30°C and a sterilization time of 5 seconds, and for spores the mode is a temperature of 200°C and a sterilization time of 60 seconds. A deactivation mode of all microorganisms at a temperature of 500°C for 5 seconds is also possible. Operating temperatures up to 700°C are also possible.

In order to fulfill this task, the invention was created:

Stationary sterilizer with electric heating, which is placed in a room where several people work. The location of the sterilizer can be on the wall, on the ceiling or on the floor. The air passes through the device continuously and is sterilized. The sterilizer works in continuous mode.

In this case, sterilization is guaranteed only for that part of the air flow that passes through the sterilizer.

The applied example according to the invention is for the application of a stationary sterilizer with electric heating in a closed room in order to reduce or eliminate the content of pathogens in the air. The air in the room is sterilized.

A. Stationary sterilizer with electric heating in an operating room for sterilization of incoming air (fig. 6)

The way to work with this device is:

3. A stationary electrically heated sterilizer is placed at the inlet of the air flow in an airtight operating room. The incoming air is sterilized before it enters the room. The system maintains a pressure in the internal space that is higher than atmospheric. When depressurizing, opening or closing, the air flow is always from inside to outside, this prevents outside non-sterile air from entering the operating room

4. The sterilizer works in continuous mode or can be put into operation several hours before performing the operation. In the event that the room is not hermetic and the necessary pressure inside and corresponding conditions for sterilization cannot be provided, a warning light and sound signal is received.

B. Stationary sterilizer with electric heating in an infectious department for sterilization of outgoing air (fig.b)

The way of working with this device is:

1. A stationary sterilizer with electric heating of 300-800 C is placed at the outlet of the air flow in a hermetic infectious department. The exhaust air is sterilized after it leaves the compartment. The system maintains a pre-set pressure higher than atmospheric in the internal space, so that outside air, which is lower than atmospheric, does not enter. When depressurizing, opening or closing, the air flow is always from the outside to the inside, this prevents internal non-sterile air from entering the infectious compartment into the external space

2. The sterilizer works in continuous mode. In the event that the room is not hermetic and the necessary pressure inside and corresponding conditions for sterilization cannot be provided, a warning light and sound signal is received.

Action of the stationary sterilizer is (fig. 6):

The air enters the system through the filter F. It is pressurized by the compressor and enters the recuperator — a countercurrent heat exchanger. It passes through a heating zone with an electric heater and a thermo-contact mass of copper lamellae. Through a valve Ки is taken out into the room or outside it, depending on the direction of sterilization. The thermal sensor T] controls valve K1 and the emergency valve K2 _. The emergency valve K ₂ is activated in the event that valve K 1 fails. The thermal sensor T ₂ regulates the temperature in the heat exchange zone. It can be in the range from 300°C to 800°C.

H. Example of application of stationary sterilizer with electric heating in a closed room in order to reduce or eliminate the content of pathogens in the air.

The air in the room is sterilized.

The same principle of Sterilization can also be applied to indoor air, but with the following restrictive conditions and their consequences:

• The sterilizer must be convenient to install inside or outside the room • The sterilization time must be short, in the range of 1 to 60 seconds • The sterilization temperature must be high, because the sterilization time is short • Because of the high temperature of sterilization the device must be safe to use • As a consequence of the high sterilization speed, a sufficiently powerful power source must be available.

The advantages of the stationary sterilizer are:

• Sterilization of the air that has passed through the system. In the incoming or outgoing air there is not a single microorganism that can cause an infectious disease.

• The pressure in the room is higher than atmospheric. This prevents non-sterile air from entering in the event of depressurization • The stationary sterilizer processes both incoming and outgoing air streams simultaneously. This can be useful, for example, in infectious disease wards where microbiological control of both streams is required.

Explanation of the attached figures:

• Figure 1 - Block diagram of a portable air/system sterilizer • Figure 2 - Schematic diagram of a portable sterilizer with pre-accumulation of thermal energy • Figure 3 - Schematic diagram of a portable gas-flame heating sterilizer • Figure 4 - Schematic diagram of portable sterilizer is electrically heated • Figure 5 - Schematic diagram of a stationary electrically heated sterilizer

EXAMPLES of implementation of the devices according to the invention:

1. A portable sterilizer is a pre-accumulation of thermal energy (fig. 2)

The device for portable air sterilization, according to the invention, consists of a housing with a thermal insulation layer, a gas distribution chamber, a thermal contact table, a heater, an air flow pipe that ends with a compressor, an inlet filter, an emergency valve, and the upper part of the device is connected to a mask/helmet/, by means of a flexible air duct..

The device also has an expansion manifold, a cooling system (recuperator) • It can also be executed without a "control and management system". Technically, they can be constructed more complexly with a control system and more simply without a control system.

2. Portable sterilizer with gas flame heating (fig.3)

The device for portable air sterilization, according to the invention, consists of a gas heating system, a thermo-contact table, a thermoregulator of the heat zone, which are connected to an expansion manifold on one side and a pipe that is connected to a compressor, inlet filter, emergency valve. The device also has an expansion manifold, a cooling system (recuperator) and the upper part of the device is connected to a mask/helmet/.

• It can be performed without a "control and management system". Technically, they can be constructed more complexly with a control system and more simply without a control system.

3. Portable sterilizer with electric heating (Fig. 4):

The device for portable air sterilization, according to the invention, consists of an electric heating system, a thermo-contact table, a thermoregulator of the heat zone, which are connected to an expansion manifold on one side and a pipe that is connected to a compressor, an inlet filter, an emergency valve. The device also has an expansion manifold, a cooling system (recuperator) and the upper part of the device is connected to a mask/helmet/.

In the versions of the stationary sterilizers shown in the figures, the breathing tube is configured as a flexible air duct. In this way, freedom of movement is ensured. The end of this breathing tube ends with a nozzle that grips an airtight helmet/helmet.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connection may be made of a corrugated material to allow free movement of the body while providing a certain tensile force.

In order to ensure proper operation of the device, the detachable elements must not be broken during operation.

Each of the sterilizers can be equipped with sensors suitable for the specific implementation, to be monitored remotely by a computerized system.

4. Stationary sterilizer with electric heating in an operating room for sterilization of incoming air (Figure 6) - Schematic diagram of a stationary sterilizer with electric heating)

The device for stationary air sterilization, according to the invention, consists of a thermal insulation layer, a thermal contact mass and a heat accumulator, a heater, which are connected to a compressor and a cooling system, an inlet filter, an emergency valve, the upper part of the device brings the sterile air into the room or outside it depending on whether it is sterilizing incoming or outgoing air flows. The device is equipped with a computerized control system. The status of the sterilizer is indicated by light and sound signals.

5. Stationary sterilizer with electric heating in infectious department for sterilization of outgoing air

A device for stationary air sterilization, according to the invention, consists of a thermal insulation layer, a thermal contact mass and a heat accumulator, a heater, which are connected to a compressor and a cooling system, an inlet filter, an emergency valve, the upper part of the device brings the sterile air into the room or outside of it depending on whether the incoming or outgoing air streams are being sterilized. The device may also have a regulating valve, light and sound signal. The status of the sterilizer is indicated by light and sound signals.

The device is installed on a wall, on the floor, roof, ceiling or other structurally suitable place of the building.

In a preferred embodiment of the stationary version for home conditions, the device is mounted on the floor or on the wall. The outlet duct takes the sterile air into the room.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in the figures, the Device is equipped with a computerized control system. The status of the sterilizer is indicated by light and sound signals. Signals, light and sound, are provided, which indicate the normal and emergency mode of operation. Each of the stationary sterilizers can be equipped with sensors and control mechanisms suitable for the specific implementation, to be monitored and controlled remotely.

Claims (10)

1. Air sterilization device for breathing and air, which consists of a filter, a compressor, a heater, a thermal contact table, a collector, a thermostat, a cooler, which are connected to a mask / helmet or to a device, by means of a connection, where the sterilized air is discharged, having: -Filter, Pressurization, Heating, Expansion, Cooling, Control and Management, -The filter ensures separation of pathogenic microorganisms, -The compressor increases the pressure and ensures pressurization of the system and supplies the air to the heating zone, - Heater/ heat exchanger/ provides heating according to preset parameters for sterilization sufficient to destroy microorganisms and leads the air to a - buffer collector, Collector provides air expansion for a time sufficient for sterilization and distributes the air flow to a cooling and recovery area, - Heat exchanger for cooling the air required for inhalation with a suitable T connected to a face mask or vented to a room, - the connection can be rigid or flexible, connecting the cooler with a mask / helmet or feeding the room through an opening. 2. Sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that it can be portable and stationary. 3. Sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is portable and the heating of the air is electric with a suitable electric accumulator/battery/. 4. Device for Sterilization, according to claim 2, characterized in that it is portable and the heating of the air is with gas /gas-flame/. The energy in this type of sterilizer is obtained by burning a suitable liquefied gas, for example propane-butane. 5. Device for Sterilization, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it is portable and has a preliminary accumulation of heat energy / heat accumulator /, storing the energy necessary for heating the air, the role of an accumulator being performed by a thermo-contact mass , located in the heating heat exchanger. 6. Device for Sterilization, according to claim 2, characterized in that it is stationary with electric heating in a closed room, where the air in the room is subjected to sterilization. 7. Device for Sterilization, according to claim 2, characterized in that it is stationary and is electrically heated in an operating room for sterilization of the incoming air. 8. Device for Sterilization, according to claim 2, characterized in that it is stationary and has electric heating in an infectious department for sterilization of the outgoing air. 9. The breathing air sterilization system according to the invention includes - a filtering system that filters the air before it enters the system, aiming to separate the pathogens that are contained in small drops of liquid. -Pressurizing by means of a compressor, providing a pressure higher than atmospheric with the aim of preventing the penetration of external non-sterile air in case of depressurization of any of the components. - Heating zone, which is heated to the desired temperature sufficient to destroy the microorganisms. - Expanding zone in collector is intended to guarantee sterilization. - Cooling is done in an air-to-air heat exchanger. After reaching a suitable temperature for inhalation, the air is fed into an airtight respirator, mask or helmet. - Control and control system for setting parameters connected to a computer. Y. The sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: the filtering system contains a HEPA type air filter with retention of particles larger than 500 nanometers. 11. The sterilization system, according to claim 9, characterized in that: The compressor has a pressure of not less than 15 atmospheres and a flow rate of 20 liters/minute after filtering, and the air pressure is increased by a compressor and from this stage the entire system , as well as the room in which it works has a pressure higher than atmospheric^ 12. The sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that the heater can be electric or gas, and the heating is carried out in a heat exchanger. -The heater can be electric or gas, and the heating takes place in a heat exchanger; the heat exchanger isolates the heater from the heated air, and when the heater is gas, the exhaust gases from it do not mix with the breathing air. 13. The sterilization system, according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heating in a heat exchanger is with a thermo-contact mass, and the heating can be done with an electric heater or a gas-flame burner; the heating power is regulated from 100 to 500 watts, during which the air is heated to the required temperature of 300-800 degrees Celsius. 14. The sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: A buffer manifold is an air flow distributor in several coolers and in which it expands as the manifold holds the air for a certain time from 1 to 60 seconds, which is sufficient to sterilization is guaranteed, as the buffer collector - air flow distributor is in several coolers 15. Sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: Air-to-air heat exchanger has forced adjustable cooling. 16. Sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: A valve system for regulating the temperature and pressure of the exhaust air, where the heated air after the collector enters for cooling, the cooling being carried out in an air-to-air heat exchanger and supplied to the room or to an individual respiratory mask. 17. Sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: A control and management system for setting parameters is connected to a computer. 18. Method for sterilization, of air for breathing, through a system, according to claims 9 to 17 is based on the method of "High-speed and high-temperature sterilization", where the temperature of the air flow is increased sufficiently - from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius/ directly or indirectly/ to completely destroy all pathogens in a short time from 1 to 60 seconds. 19. A breathing air sterilization method according to claim 18, The heat transfer is molecular, convective, radiation or induction, the main parameters of the system being sterilization temperature and time and the operating temperature range is between 300° C and 800°C, and the sterilization time between 1 and 60 seconds. 20. A method of sterilization, of breathing air, by means of a system according to ex 18, characterized in that the parameters are determined by priority when determining the signal to the sterilization device