DE102007017750A1 - Method for filtering and moistening air comprises filtering out large particles, forming mist of hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution and mixing it with air, decomposing peroxide, forming free radicals and decomposing unreacted peroxide - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for filtering and moistening air comprises: (A) filtering out particles above 10mu m in size; (B) forming a mist of hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution; (C) mixing the air stream (2) with the mist; (D) decomposing the hydrogen peroxide, forming free radicals in the mixture; and (E) decomposing unreacted peroxide. An independent claim is included for apparatus for filtering and moistening air.

Description

The The invention relates to a filter system for ad- and absorption of impurities in gases and gas mixtures, in particular polluting the air Particles, gases, toxins, viruses and bacteria.

A broadband filter system is from the DE 10 2004 027 354 A1 known.

This modular and multivalent broadband filter system features both via a purely mechanical separation effect as well as over chemical and antimicrobial effects against nanodisperse air pollutants, at the same time monitoring the load level register and regulate the system. Come here in particular super oxidation plants, fine filters also with heating, Ionization gratings, catalysts, nonwoven fabric of stabilizer fiber and carbon fiber and sensor for control to use.

In such filters, in which disinfecting solutions based on hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is used for superoxidation, such as the sold under the brand name DES 35 disinfectant solution (DES 35 - registered German trademark 306 08 141.5 for Achim Neumayer et al, Sales by LIGNOTEX GmbH) have the disadvantage that hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is released into the air and the vapors strongly corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes, especially the eyes and the respiratory tract act.

Building on the possibilities of broadband filtering systems that both via a purely mechanical separation effects as well Adsorption options for chemical and microbiological contaminants have, it is an object of the invention, a filter system to propose that the supply of rooms with safe and reliably ensure purified air. simultaneously the air can be humidified.

Solved This object is achieved with the method claim 1 and the device claim 11, advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

• – Grobfiltration von Feststoffpartikeln bis 10 μm
• – Vernebeln bzw. Versprühen von Wasserstoffperoxid (H₂O₂)-haltiger Desinfektionslösung in den zu reinigenden und zu befeuchtenden Luftstrom
• – Vermischen von Luftstrom und Sprühnebel der Wasserstoffperoxidlösung
• – Zerfall des H₂O₂ unter Radikalbildung im Luft-Nebel-Strom
• – katalytische Umsetzung von nichtabreagiertem H₂O₂.

The method according to the invention for filtering air, preferably room air, comprises the method steps

• - Coarse filtration of solid particles up to 10 microns
• - Nebulization or spraying of hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) -containing disinfectant solution in the air stream to be cleaned and humidified
• - Mixing of air flow and spray of hydrogen peroxide solution
• - Decay of H ₂ O ₂ with radical formation in the air-mist stream
• - Catalytic reaction of unreacted H ₂ O ₂ .

These process steps are preferably realized in the following order: coarse filtration, atomization of a hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) -containing disinfectant solution, mixing of air flow and aqueous H ₂ O ₂ mist and catalytic conversion.

The H ₂ O ₂ -containing disinfectant is an aqueous H ₂ O ₂ solution with up to 2-4 vol .-% H ₂ O ₂ , preferably 3 vol .-% H ₂ O ₂ , and preferably contains a fruit acid, wherein the fruit acid is added as a stabilizer to the aqueous H ₂ O ₂ solution.

Further is procedurally provided in one embodiment, that the air flow and / or the humidity of the air-mist stream in Catalyst is adjustable and controllable, allowing a sufficient liquid film for the Schadstoffadsorp tion on the catalyst carrier acting foam is present.

The Moisture of the air-mist flow should be preferred by arrival and Switch off the blower and / or by switching on and off be adjustable by the nebulizer.

Further is advantageously provided that on the housing inner wall or through the inner surfaces of the air-mist mixture Components precipitated and collected from there moisture collected and the nebulizer is supplied.

An apparatus for carrying out the method for air purification and humidification, which comprises in a flowing of the air to be purified housing at least one coarse particle filter, a blower and a nebulizer or sprayer for a disinfecting solution which contains hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) as an ingredient, and nebulized or sprayed the air to be filtered is admixed, is improved to the effect that in the air flow to the nebulizer or sprayer an air-mist mixer is arranged downstream and arranged before exiting the housing at least one of the entire mixture through foam layer is, wherein the foam layer contains platinum or platinum metal or copper as a catalyst and the Durchströmdicke and / or structure of the foam layer is dimensioned so that H ₂ O _{2 has} completely disintegrated until it exits the housing.

As a nebuliser, in a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic nebulizer with a piezoelectric exciter in the gigahertz range is used, wherein the nebulizer is a nebulizer basin has. The nebulizer of the nebulizer is controlled controlled disinfectant solution from a arranged on or in the housing storage container.

When It has proven advantageous if the disinfectant solution is slightly heated when misting. This can advantageously the waste heat of the power transistor of the piezoelectric pathogen be used.

To the Mixing the airflow and the misted disinfectant solution is preferably a funnel-shaped mixer used, the small funnel opening over the nebulizer is located and the lateral surface openings for Having incoming of flowing air into the funnel interior. The openings in the lateral surface of the funnel-shaped Mixers are preferably formed as longitudinal slots. This shape of the mixer has the advantage in vertical construction that After the mixer precipitating or otherwise dripping Water or water with disinfectant solution through the funnel merged, directed into the nebulizer basin and here again is fogged. A float in the mist basin prevents that too much disinfecting solution is supplied and an overflow could occur.

Instead of A funnel - shaped body can also be an in Towards the nebulising basin inclined prismatic body, preferably with triangular or trapezoidal cross-section each with lateral slots and open top or used a combination of both forms.

Either in terms of the collection of dripping water as well as the good mixing of the air to be cleaned with the disinfectant solution is provided in an advantageous further embodiment that the funnel or the prismatic body in the flow direction after the openings with its outer periphery opposite sealed to the housing.

The open-pore or reticulated foam layer is a foam, preferably a plastic foam, in particular a polyurethane foam containing platinum or platinum metal or copper and / or coated with platinum, a platinum metal or copper as a catalyst, preferably by evaporation or dipping. The residence time and contact time of the air flowing through the foam air mist flow in the foam and with the catalyst surface is such that unreacted H ₂ O _{2 is} fully implemented until it leaves the housing. The porosity and the surface structure of the foam is preferably designed for optimum function such that the foam has optimum contact between the reaction products of H ₂ O ₂ and the pollutants of the air and the catalyst surface. Preferably, the foam is designed such that turbulent flow prevails in the foam. Of decisive influence on the formation of a turbulent flow is the roughness of the foam inner surface or the roughness of the catalyst surface, wherein the roughness of the surface for generating a turbulent flow is preferably high.

there For example, the foam layer may be composed of several foam layers with one or more Intermediate tiles with a fine-pored structure to catch consist of microbiological contaminants. Microbiological Impurities are especially fungi, fungal spores or bacteria (killed or alive).

The Flies preferably has properties of a depth filter for retention of microbiological contaminants especially for sterile filtration of Air on and can also be downstream of the foam layers.

Next a disk or plate-shaped formation of the foam layer or the foam layers is also provided that these cup-shaped are formed, wherein the air-mist stream in the pot through the Pot opening occurs. Pot-shaped closes thereby conical or truncated pyramidal or hemispherical one.

A Another advantageous embodiment provides that the foam layer contains at least one humidity sensor whose measurement result for controlling the supply of disinfectant solution is usable for nebulizer and / or for controlling the nebulizer, in particular of the piezoelectric agent, always to a sufficient liquid film to secure on the foam.

The Disinfecting liquid is in an advantageous embodiment provided in a bottle, which can be inserted into the housing is and has an opening at the top and bottom.

The above opening is closed with a gas diffusion cap, so that escaping during transport by disintegration of gas can. At the same time this cap is used for air intake during removal of disinfecting liquid.

The Removal takes place via the second opening, preferably arranged at the bottom, which is closed with a cap with septum. The removal of the Disinfecting liquid is carried over a trocar an inflow line to the nebulizer basin.

The trocar is preferably with a Flap (closure) coupled to the housing, such that after insertion of the bottle, the flap closes the insertion, during this movement, the trocar pierces the septum and thus the disinfectant solution can flow towards nebulization.

Further It is advantageous if the pressure in the supply line to the nebulizer basin measured and as an output signal for a level indicator the bottle is used. This has special significance in this respect should be avoided as a dry run of nebulizer (danger of destruction).

In A further advantageous embodiment provides that the nebulizer has a leakage protection, so that z. B. If the device falls over, no exit of the disinfecting solution is possible is.

One Embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown. Show it:

1 the device in vertical construction above,

2 the device in vertical construction below,

3 a sectional view and

4 Foam arrangements.

In the 1 and 2 is a device for air filtration with a partially open housing 1 shown. It is a vertical construction, so that the housing 1 supported on one foot. Below is the inlet for the airflow 2 , the first through the coarse filter 3 to be led. In the upper area is a flap 13 for the storage container 9 for the disinfecting solution, preferably a bottle with a gas diffusion cap and a cap with septum. It can also be seen that control switches for manual operation on top of the housing 1 are located.

3 shows a device for air filtering consisting of the air flow 2 the air to be cleaned flowed through the housing 1 in a sectional view.

With the entry of air into the housing 1 due to the suction effect of the housing 1 located blower 4 becomes the airflow 2 through the coarse filter 3 directed for particles. The coarse filter 3 filters particles up to 10 μm out of the air stream 2 and is preferably removable for cleaning purposes in the housing 1 arranged.

After the coarse filter 3 is located in the housing 1 a nebulizer or sprayer 5 for a disinfecting solution containing hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) as an ingredient. The disinfectant solution marketed under the brand name DES 35 has proven successful with a concentration of up to 5% H ₂ O ₂ (DES 35 - registered German trade mark 306 08 141.5 for Achim Neumayer et al., Distribution by LIGNOTEX GmbH).

As nebulizer 5 For example, an ultrasonic nebuliser with a piezoelectric generator in the gigahertz range is preferably used. The nebulizer 5 or its piezoelectric agent should be controllable, for normal use cases the levels ON and OFF are sufficient, thus an interval-like operation takes place.

It is also envisaged that the nebulizer 5 controlled disinfectant solution from the on or in the housing 1 arranged storage container 9 can be supplied. Normally, a consumption of disinfectant solution of 50-100 ml / day is assumed. That's enough for air filtration. For humidification purposes, a higher water input would be necessary.

Since the liquid level in the nebulizer may vary as a result of supplied separated water, it is expedient that the liquid level in the nebulizer of the nebulizer 5 measurable, preferably with a level gauge, and the liquid level is adjustable. Preferably, the supply line 7 for nebulizer a means for closing the supply line 7 on.

Further the nebulizer basin has a leakage protection, which when falling over of the device, the outlet of the disinfectant solution prevented. This can be a circumferential annular groove that falls over the device collects the liquid and when erecting returns.

The Waste heat of the electronics of Ultraschallvernebelers leaves Benefit for the process management, if with this the disinfectant solution heats up a bit is advantageously around 1-5 ° C.

The disinfectant solution is atomized or sprayed mixed with the air to be filtered for the purpose of their cleaning. This takes place in the air stream 2 the air to be cleaned the nebulizer or sprayer 5 downstream air-mist mixer 6 , As shown, a funnel-shaped mixer is preferred 6 used, the small funnel opening above the nebulizer 5 or the nebulizer basin and its lateral surface openings 10 to the entry of flowing air into the funnel interior. The openings 10 in the lateral surface of the funnel-shaped mixer 6 are formed in particular as a longitudinal slots in a columnar housing arrangement. Air can thus enter the funnel and run down water in the presence of an inner wall down and drip into the nebulizer.

By sealing the funnel in the flow direction to the openings 10 with its outer periphery opposite the housing 1 will ensure that all air through the air-mist mixer 6 is passed and above accumulating dripping water enters the funnel.

The foam layer 8th contains as catalyst platinum or platinum metal or copper and the residence time and contact time of the air flowing through the air mist stream in the foam and with the catalyst surface of the foam layer 8th is sized so that H ₂ O ₂ until it exits the housing 1 completely disintegrated. The foam layer 8th is preferably made of plastic, which is coated with platinum, a platinum metal or copper, preferably by evaporation or dipping. Proven has a porosity of the foam layer 8th in the range of 5-50 PPI, preferably 30 PPI.

Of course, the foam layer 8th be composed of several layers. In such a case, between the foam layers 8th a tile with a fine-pored structure to trap microbiological contaminants. With only one foam layer 8th the tile is simply subordinate to collecting microbiological contaminants.

Since the residence time and contact time of the air flowing through the foam air mist flow in the foam and with the catalyst surface of the foam layer 8th should be such that H ₂ O ₂ until it leaves the housing 1 completely disintegrated, are also special forms for the foam layers 8th or the foam layer 8th intended. Some examples are in the 4 shown. It provides such a variant provides that they are cup-shaped, wherein the air-mist stream enters the pot through the pot opening. It is further provided in special embodiments that the pot is formed cone or truncated pyramidal or hemispherical. Preferably, the pot is supported on the housing inner circumference.

Next it is shown that the foam layer 8th at least one humidity sensor 11 contains its measurement result for the control of the supply of disinfectant solution to nebulizer 5 is usable and / or for controlling the nebulizer, in particular the piezoelectric pathogen. This has already been referred to earlier.

1

casing

2

airflow

3

coarse filter

4

fan

5

nebulizers

6

Air mist mixer

7

supply line

8th

foam layer

9

storage container

10

opening in the coat of the mixer

11

humidity sensor

12

control switch

13

flap for storage container

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102004027354 A1 [0002]

Claims (33)

Method for filtering and humidifying air, preferably of room air, comprising the method steps - coarse filtration of solid particles to 10 microns - atomizing and / or spraying a hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) -containing disinfecting solution in the air stream to be cleaned and humidified - mixing Air flow and spray of the hydrogen peroxide solution - decomposition of H ₂ O ₂ with radical formation in the air-mist stream - catalytic conversion of unreacted H ₂ O ₂ , A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method steps mentioned in claim 1 in the order 1. coarse filtration of solid particles to 10 microns 2. atomizing and / or spraying a hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) -containing disinfecting solution in the to be cleaned and Moisturizing air flow 3. Mixing of air flow and spray of hydrogen peroxide solution 4. Decay of H ₂ O ₂ with formation of radical in the air-mist flow 5. catalytic conversion of unreacted H ₂ O ₂ , realized. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nebulization of the H ₂ O ₂ -containing disinfectant is carried out with a Ultraschallvernebeler with a piezoelectric. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the H ₂ O ₂ -containing disinfectant, an aqueous H ₂ O ₂ solution with up to 2-4 vol .-% H ₂ O ₂ , preferably 3 vol .-% H ₂ O ₂ , and this preferably contains a fruit acid, wherein the fruit acid is added as a stabilizer of the aqueous H ₂ O ₂ solution. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the disinfecting solution heated before and / or during nebulization / spraying is advantageously around 1-5 ° C. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that for heating the waste heat of the electronics, in particular those of the power transistor of the piezoelectric used becomes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the air flow is combined with the H ₂ O ₂ -containing disinfectant in a funnel-shaped or prismatic mixer and mixed. Method according to Claims 1 to 7, characterized that measured humidity of the air-mist flow in the range of the catalyst and / or adjustable and controllable. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the humidity of the air-mist stream by switching on and off the fan and / or by interval-like Switching the nebulizer on and off is set. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that on the housing inner wall and / or on the inner surfaces of the air-mist mixture components flowed through and knocked down from there accumulated moisture is collected and fed to the nebulizer. Device for filtering and humidifying air in a housing through which the air to be purified flows ( 1 ) at least one coarse filter ( 3 ) for particles, a blower ( 4 ) and a nebulizer or sprayer ( 5 ) for a disinfecting solution which comprises hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) as constituent and is admixed with the air to be filtered or aerosolized or sprayed, characterized in that in the air stream ( 2 ) of the air to be cleaned the nebulizer or Versprüher ( 5 ) an air-mist mixer ( 6 ) and before exiting the housing ( 1 ) at least one foam layer through which the mixture flows ( 8th ), wherein the foam layer ( 8th ) Contains platinum or platinum metal or copper as catalyst and the residence time and contact time of the air flowing through the foam air mist flow in the foam and with the catalyst surface of the foam layer ( 8th ) is such that H ₂ O ₂ until it leaves the housing ( 1 ) has completely disintegrated. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the coarse filter ( 3 ) Filters particles up to 10 μm and removes them in the housing ( 1 ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that as nebulizer ( 5 ) an ultrasonic nebulizer with a piezoelectric generator in the gigahertz range is used working. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that that the piezoelectric actuator is controllable, preferably in the stages On and off. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the electronics of the piezoelectric pathogen thermally conductive coupled to the nebulizer. Device according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the nebulizer ( 5 ) controlled disinfectant solution from a on or in the housing ( 1 ) arranged storage container ( 9 ) is zuluhrbar. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the storage container ( 9 ) is insertable into the housing and has an opening at the top and bottom, wherein the above opening is closed with a gas diffusion cap and the lower is used for removal of disinfectant solution and is closed by a cap with septum. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that for removing the disinfecting liquid, a trocar with the inflow line ( 7 ) is connected to the misting basin, which is controlled by the closed position of the flap 13 the septum pierces. Device according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the inflow line ( 7 ) has a pressure gauge to Vernebelerbecken whose measurement result as an output signal for a level indicator of the storage container ( 9 ) is usable. Device according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that a means for measuring and regulating the liquid level in the nebulizer of the nebulizer ( 5 ) and preferably a means for closing the supply line ( 7 ) is set up for misting basin. Device according to one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that the nebulizer basin a Has leakage protection, the outlet of the disinfectant solution prevents, preferably formed as an annular groove. Device according to one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that for mixing the air flow ( 2 ) and the atomized disinfectant solution a funnel-shaped and / or prismatic trained mixer ( 6 ) whose small funnel opening is located above the nebulizer ( 5 ) or the nebulizer basin and the lateral surface of which is openings ( 10 ) for the entry of flowing air into the funnel interior. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the openings ( 10 ) in the lateral surface of the funnel-shaped or prismatic mixer ( 6 ) are formed as longitudinal slots. Apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the funnel or the prism open at the top in the flow direction to the openings ( 10 ) with its outer periphery opposite the housing ( 1 ) is sealed. Device according to one of claims 11 to 24, characterized in that the foam layer ( 8th ) made of plastic, which is coated with platinum, a platinum metal or copper, preferably by evaporation or dipping. Device according to one of claims 11 to 25, characterized in that the foam layer ( 8th ) consists of several foam layers with at least one interposed tile with a fine-pored structure for catching microbiological contaminants. Device according to one of claims 11 to 26, characterized in that the or the foam layers ( 8th ) is a tile with a fine-pored structure for collecting microbiological contaminants downstream. Device according to one of claims 26 or 27, characterized in that the fleece is a deep-filtering Flow, preferably a sterile filter depth filter is. Device according to one of claims 11 to 28, characterized in that the foam layer ( 8th ) or the foam layers are cup-shaped, wherein the air-mist stream enters the pot through the pot opening. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that that the pot cone or truncated pyramidal or hemispherical is trained. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that that the pot is supported on the housing inner circumference. Device according to one of claims 11 to 31, characterized in that the foam layer ( 8th ) at least one humidity sensor ( 11 ) whose measurement result for the control of the supply of disinfectant solution to the nebulizer ( 5 ) is usable and / or for controlling the nebulizer, in particular the piezoelectric pathogen. Device according to one of claims 11 to 32, characterized in that the porosity of the foam layer ( 8th ) is in the range of 5-50 PPI, preferably 30 PPI.