DE102020121130A1 - Device for sterilizing air containing aerosols - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air, comprising at least one flow channel (13) with one or more flow cross sections, at least one fan (7) for generating an air flow in the flow channel, means for sterilizing (10) at least one aerosol in the air flow, at least one suction opening (4) for the aerosol-containing air into the flow channel and at least one exhaust air opening (6) for a sterilized air flow out of the flow channel, the at least one suction opening opening into at least one suction volume (14), each of the at least one suction volume respectively adjacent to an aerosol source.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air, preferably with an aerosol contaminated with a pathogen such as corona virus SARS-CoV-2, cold and flu viruses and other infectious viral pathogens according to the first claim.

Indoors, where people are in high densities in a certain spatial order, there is an increased risk of infection due to the possibility of transmission of viruses, especially corona virus SARS-CoV-2, through aerosol particles contaminated with viruses that are exhaled by the people present there or expelled when you sneeze or cough. Due to their small size (mass), aerosols are airborne and can remain airborne indoors for up to several hours, depending on the environmental conditions. Such interior spaces include restaurants, seminar and training rooms, classrooms in schools, lecture halls, doctor's offices, doctor's meeting rooms, fitness studios, etc., but also clean rooms or other rooms with a controlled atmosphere.

Due to the transmission paths via aerosols, minimum distances are therefore necessary, e.g. against the background of the current specifications for the corona virus SARS-CoV-2 larger table distances in restaurants, which in turn lead to high economic losses due to the lower occupancy density. Similarly, these distancing rules in schools mean that lessons can only take place in smaller groups for shorter lesson times, which leads to massive cancellations of lessons. In these environments, however, there are usually individuals or small groups of people at a fixed place in the interior (e.g. four family members at a table in a restaurant, or a group of three students at a work table, or a single person at a fitness machine in the studio , or a patient at the dentist). The aim is therefore to prevent or reduce the exchange of aerosols from one person or from one group of people to another group of people, e.g. from one table in a restaurant to the next table or the table after that.

In addition, the transmission of viruses by aerosols is influenced by external environmental influences, such as temperature and humidity, which have an impact on the lifespan of the aerosols and thus the viruses in the air. The aerosol particles can dry out faster in dry air and thus render the virus harmless faster than is possible in humid air. This can be observed particularly drastically, e.g. in slaughterhouses, where low temperatures and high humidity promote the transmission of the virus.

For example, suction devices are known, in particular for commercial applications, in which a suction opening such as a suction bell is positioned at an emission source and the emissions are sucked up and forwarded into an exhaust air duct system. For reasons of noise protection, extraction usually takes place at the end of the exhaust air duct system. Sterilization is carried out - if it is planned at all - usually centrally for all connected suction devices remotely in the exhaust air duct system. However, such extraction devices are exhaust air systems, i.e. in closed rooms the extracted air will flow back into the room through other openings, which in turn does not allow use in security areas or clean rooms in particular.

Furthermore, exhaust air systems for rooms are known in which the air is usually sucked off at only a few points in the room, often on the ceiling. The extraction takes place integrally and not separately for each emission source, which is unsatisfactory in particular for the extraction and destruction of air containing pathogens.

In addition, recirculation systems are known in which the air in a room is sucked in, treated, i.e. cleaned, filtered and/or tempered, and fed back into the room elsewhere. They are primarily used for air conditioning in closed rooms, vehicles and buildings.

As circulating air cleaning systems, circulating air systems are preferably air conditioning and cleaning systems in clean rooms, in which the extracted air is conducted centrally or decentrally at sources of contamination, usually via a circulating air duct system, out of the room, where it is cleaned, filtered and/or fed back into the room at a controlled temperature. Similar recirculation systems are also used, for example, for vehicle air conditioning or for air conditioning of mainframe systems.

An example of circulating air cleaning systems in which the air drawn in for treatment is not routed out of the room are circulating air extractor hoods for kitchen and laboratory applications.

However, approaches are also known in which circulating air cleaning systems are also used additionally or exclusively for the disinfection of air flowing through.

From the EP 2 455 678 A2 such a circulating air cleaning system for sterilizing flowing air is known, in particular for the clinical area. For this purpose, the air flow, preferably in a volume flow of up to 250 m ³ /h, is exposed by means of a UVC emitter with a radiation output of at least 30 mW/cm ² and is thus sterilized. Light with a wavelength above 200 nm is preferably used here. Furthermore, it is proposed to combine the cleaning with an additional ionization and/or for particle separation with a filter cleaning. Local exhaust ventilation directed at a contamination source is not disclosed. A combination of a particle filter and a downstream UV sterilization for use in a ventilation and air conditioning system in general is also from DD 1576 26 famous.

Also from the DE 10 2015 013 630 A1 a device for the production of germ-reduced room air is known, in particular for technical storage systems. Germs are also killed by UVC radiation. Also this system does not have local exhaust ventilation directed at a source of contamination.

From the DE 20 2016 004 286 U1 a ventilation arrangement with an extractor hood provided for vapor extraction for the kitchen area is known, in which UV light emitters are arranged downstream of a separator and cause ozone formation there in such a way that, in addition to the antibacterial effect, particles contained in the filtered exhaust air are also crushed and via a suction device for ventilation reach. The system is designed in such a way that mixed air can be formed from external fresh air and/or kitchen vapors.

However, all the circulating air cleaning systems mentioned are often characterized by a pronounced noise development, since the sucked-in air has to be conveyed through a pressure-reducing cleaning stage, usually a filter element. However, this limits the usability enormously.

Based on this, one object of the invention is to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it is suitable for the sterilization of air containing aerosols, preferably with a pathogen such as corona virus SARS-CoV-2, cold and flu viruses and other infectious viral pathogens, on the one hand and conceptually suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments.

The object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1. Subclaims that refer back to this state advantageous embodiments and configurations.

A solution to the task is based on the basic idea of a combination of local capture of the aerosols in one place with one person, with several people belonging together (e.g. at a restaurant table) or another aerosol source, combined with local deactivation of the virus (rendering harmless) with simultaneously low flow resistance.

A device is therefore proposed that draws in aerosol-containing air from at least one suction volume in a direct and locally definable surrounding area via at least one suction opening, sterilizes it in the device and releases it again into this surrounding area via at least one exhaust air opening. The surrounding areas preferably extend in the range between 1 and 4 m, more preferably in the form of columns or spheres around the device. The distance between the suction opening and the exhaust air opening is preferably a maximum of 1.5 m, more preferably a maximum of 1.0 m.

Cleaning the air from aerosol and/or particles is not the priority, but the most effective sterilization possible of the sucked-in aerosol-containing air. Separation stages, which would cause additional flow resistance in the device, are not required. Nevertheless, within the scope of individual embodiments, separating means or means for separating flow components within the scope of the means for sterilization are also proposed below, which, however, only assume their function in the overall context of sterilization. The aim of the treatment running at the same time as the separation is to render the viruses harmless so that there is no longer any infectivity.

1. a) mindestens einen Durchströmungskanal mit einem oder mehreren Durchströmungsquerschnitten, vorzugsweise einen Durchströmungskanal mit einem Durchströmungsquerschnitt,
2. b) mindestens einem Ventilator zur Erzeugung eines Luftstromes im Durchströmungskanal,
3. c) Mittel zur Sterilisierung von mindestens einem Aerosol im Luftstrom,
4. d) mindestens einer Ansaugöffnung für die aerosolhaltige Luft in den Durchströmungskanal sowie
5. e) mindestens einer Abluftöffnung für einen sterilisierten Luftstrom aus den Durchströmungskanal,

wobei

• f) die mindestens eine Ansaugöffnung in mindestens ein Ansaugvolumen einmündet, wobei jedes des mindestens einen Ansaugvolumens jeweils an eine Aerosolquelle angrenzt.

To solve the problem, a device for the sterilization of aerosol-containing air is therefore proposed, comprising the following components:

1. a) at least one flow channel with one or more flow cross sections, preferably one flow channel with a flow cross section,
2. b) at least one fan for generating an air flow in the flow channel,
3. c) means for sterilizing at least one aerosol in the air stream,
4. d) at least one intake opening for the aerosol-containing air in the flow channel and
5. e) at least one exhaust air opening for a sterilized air flow from the flow channel,

whereby

• f) the at least one intake opening opens into at least one intake volume, each of the at least one intake volume adjoining an aerosol source.

In this context, local means a close proximity to the equipment, preferably combining the intake and discharge of the aerosol-containing air with the sterilization of this air, preferably in circulating air mode. Local also means in particular the close proximity of the device to the suction volume and to the at least one aerosol source adjacent to it as a local demarcation to neighboring devices/suction volumes/aerosol sources with other, preferably non-overlapping suction volumes in the same room. In a restaurant, for example, the individual tables with people sitting at them (aerosol sources) and a device arranged on, above or below the table with an intake volume arranged in between (preferably above the tabletop) form a local system that is locally separated from neighboring systems of the same type.

It is essential that the air is sucked in from the volume with the local aerosol source. The intake volume mentioned is consequently the volume directly in front of the intake opening (distance preferably up to 1 meter between intake opening and aerosol source) and is located in the inflow area of the device. An intake volume also captures at least one of the aerosol sources that emit an aerosol into the intake volume. In the inflow area, a dominant flow directed in the direction of the intake opening forms.

The aforesaid intake volume is consequently defined as the limited volume immediately in front of the intake opening with a free distance from the intake opening of 0.6 m, preferably 1.0 m, more preferably 1.5 m. It preferably includes the volume area between the suction opening and the aerosol source. It is in fluid contact with an aerosol source, e.g. an exhaling person, and the intake opening as an aerosol sink. More preferably, a suction volume comprises at least the smallest sphere volume between a suction opening and an aerosol source, with both the suction opening and the aerosol source touching the spherical surface of the sphere volume.

The at least one flow channel connects, preferably an outgoing or incoming branch, the at least one intake opening with the at least one exhaust air opening. The at least one through-flow channel has a through-flow cross section at each point (total), which does not necessarily have to be uniformly constant. The through-flow channel is oriented entirely or for the most part, i.e. in at least one section, preferably vertically. In favor of a low flow resistance, a preferably rectilinear configuration is proposed, but depending on the embodiments described below and the configuration of the means for sterilization, it also has flow deflection areas. Flow deflection areas located below can also be designed as collection areas, preferably collection containers for separated aerosol components and/or particles.

A fanning out or subdivision into several flow channels (partial channels) and/or a combination of several flow channels (partial channels) between the at least one intake opening and the at least one exhaust air opening fall within the scope of the invention. In principle and apart from aerosol components temporarily separated in the through-flow channel and/or the aerosols and/or particles rendered harmless by the device, the sucked-in quantity of air then preferably leaves the device again only via the at least one exhaust air opening.

• - Mittel zur Sterilisierung, die auf den zu sterilisierenden Luftstrom direkt und auf abgeschiedene Aerosolbestandteile einwirken, ein- oder mehrstufig. Die Mittel umfassen zusätzlich Mittel zur Abtrennung des mindestens einen Aerosols oder Anteile davon aus dem Luftstrom. Diese Mittel zur Abtrennung dienen vorzugsweise der selektiven und temporären Fixierung von Aerosolbestandteilen für eine nachfolgende Sterilisierung. Sie sind nicht für eine Abtrennung von Staubpartikeln oder anderen festen Bestandteilen vorgesehen.
• - Mittel zur Sterilisierung, die auf den zu sterilisierenden Luftstrom direkt einwirken, ein- oder mehrstufig, aber ohne die vorgenannten Mittel zur Abtrennung des mindestens einen Aerosols oder Anteile davon aus dem Luftstrom.

In principle, the invention includes the following basic forms of embodiment of the means for sterilization:

• - Means for sterilization, which act directly on the air flow to be sterilized and on the separated aerosol components, in one or more stages. The means also include means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof from the air flow. These means for separation are preferably used for the selective and temporary fixation of aerosol components for subsequent sterilization. They are not intended for separating dust particles or other solid components.
• - Means for sterilization, which act directly on the air flow to be sterilized, in one or more stages, but without the aforementioned means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof from the air flow.

• - Heizmittel mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal,
• - UV-Lichtquelle, vorzugsweise eine UVC-Lichtquelle, mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal,
• - Mittel für eine Plasmaentladung mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal, und/oder
• - mindestens eine Mikrowellenquelle mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal.

Depending on the embodiment, the means for sterilization have an effective area in the flow channel and/or over the separation surfaces. They can also be designed as follows and therefore include at least one of the following means:

• - heating medium with effective range in the flow channel,
• - UV light source, preferably a UVC light source, with an effective area in the flow channel,
• - Means for a plasma discharge with an effective area in the flow channel, and/or
• - At least one microwave source with effective range in the flow channel.

• 1a und b schematisch eine beispielhafte Anordnung einer Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung in seitlicher Ansicht (a) und Draufsicht (b),
• 2a bis c schematische Querschnittsansichten von bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen für eine Anordnung nach 1a und b,
• 3 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung für eine Anordnung auf einer Tischplatte,
• 4a und b schematisch beispielhafte Unterfluranordnungen von Ausführungsformen der Vorrichtung in seitlicher Ansicht,
• 5 schematisch eine beispielhafte weitere Ausführungsform, bei der die mindestens eine Abluftöffnung direkt in das mindestens eine Ansaugvolumen ausmündet,
• 6a und b schematisch weitere Ausführungsform gemäß 1a und b, jedoch umfassend mindestens ein Mittel zur Umlenkung des Luftstroms aus der Abluftöffnung in Richtung der mindestens einen Ansaugöffnung,
• 7a und b schematisch beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend eine elektrostatische Abscheidung für das Aerosol,
• 8a und b schematisch beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend eine Abscheidung für das Aerosol mittels Massenkraftabscheider und/oder eine den Durchströmungsquerschnitt überspannende Filterfläche,
• 9a bis d in schematischen Schnittdraufsichten über den Durchströmungsquerschnitt des Durchströmungskanals beispielhafte Mittel zur Sterilisierung, umfassend umströmbare Elemente sowie
• 10a und b eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform mit einer Ausgestaltung der Mittel zur Sterilisierung mittels UVC LED und Abwärmeleitblechen.

The invention is explained in more detail using embodiments and examples, the following figures and descriptions. All of the features shown and their combinations are not just limited to these exemplary embodiments and their configurations. Rather, these should be viewed as representative of other possible configurations that are not explicitly shown as exemplary embodiments and can be combined. Show it

• 1a and b schematically an exemplary arrangement of an embodiment of the device in side view (a) and top view (b),
• 2a until c Schematic cross-sectional views of preferred configurations for an arrangement 1a and b,
• 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment for an arrangement on a table top,
• 4a and b schematic exemplary underfloor arrangements of embodiments of the device in a side view,
• 5 schematically an exemplary further embodiment, in which the at least one exhaust air opening opens directly into the at least one intake volume,
• 6a and b schematically further embodiment according to 1a and b, but comprising at least one means for deflecting the air flow from the exhaust air opening in the direction of the at least one intake opening,
• 7a and b schematically exemplary means for sterilization, comprising an electrostatic separation for the aerosol,
• 8a and b schematically exemplary means for sterilization, comprising a separation for the aerosol by means of an inertial force separator and/or a filter surface spanning the flow cross section,
• 9a until i.e in schematic sectional plan views over the flow cross-section of the flow channel, exemplary means for sterilization, comprising elements that can be flowed around, and
• 10a and b a particularly preferred embodiment with an embodiment of the means for sterilization by means of UVC LEDs and waste heat conducting plates.

As part of a through 1 represented preferred first embodiment device 1 is arranged above a table or worktop 2 or a walk-in room. Persons 3 (or other sources of germs) as aerosol sources usually sit around the table or are in the room, with the at least one suction opening 4 preferably being arranged at the level of or above the aerosol sources (eg breathing openings of the persons) and preferably pointing downwards.

2a until c show simple preferred configurations of this in schematic cross-sectional views. They each comprise a vertically aligned tubular housing 5 which is open on both sides, the lower opening forming the intake opening 4 and the upper opening forming the exhaust air opening 6 . The fan 7 is preferably inserted or placed in or on the exhaust air opening. It preferably spans the entire flow cross section. The means for sterilization 10 are located in the housing between the fan and the suction opening. The suction opening preferably points downwards. The tubular housing preferably has a constant cross-section ( 2a) . With a downwards trumpet-shaped flow cross-section of the housing towards the outlet ( 2 B) a more streamlined suction of the aerosol-containing air from the suction volume 14 takes place via the table. It advantageously promotes a laminar flow into the device. A suction that can be customized for each person is shown separately 2c , in which the suction openings 4 open laterally below into the housing 5 radially. The orientation of these suction openings can preferably be adjusted.

Also located in the housings in the flow channel 13 are the means for sterilizing 10 the aerosol-containing air flowing through, which are in turn arranged with arrows. The means for sterilization are single or multi-stage.

A preferred embodiment of this includes an in 3 vessel 11 which is shown as an example and is open at the top, into which part of the device 1 including the suction opening 4 is inserted to form an annular gap volume 12 . The device with the vessel is preferably a table-top device, the vessel lying at least partially in the at least one suction volume and serving as a means for deflecting the aerosol-containing air that is sucked in.

In accordance with a preferred further embodiment 4a the device 1 is arranged below a floor, table or work surface 2, with the suction opening pointing upwards through the floor, table or work surface. The advantage is that this configuration represents an underfloor design and is therefore better shielded by the floor, table or worktop with its construction volume and its operating noise. Advantageously, it is no longer felt to be so annoying.

A particularly advantageous embodiment in this regard provides for the suction opening 4, which is open at the top, to be covered with a cover element at a distance from the floor, table or worktop 2, forming a circumferential suction gap 21. In the case of a table, this cover element is preferably a cover plate 8, which can be used as storage space, for example for food ( 4b) . In a particularly advantageous manner, the gap opens into the suction volume at the point at which people sitting around the table preferably exhale.

4b also shows optional passage openings 22 through the floor, table or worktop 2 arranged under the intake volume 14. They are used to return the air flow from the exhaust air opening 6 into the intake volume 14, with an optional deflection trough 23 as an additional means for deflection 19 the return line of a increased proportion of sterilized airflow. As shown, the edge of this deflection trough 23 is arranged at a distance from the underside of the tabletop to avoid back pressures (e.g. through covered passage openings), which allows the sterilized air flow to exit around the edge of the tabletop (preferably between the tabletop and the people sitting at the table) back to the suction volume 14.

In principle, the exhaust air opening can also be connected to an exhaust air duct system, with the fan being part of the exhaust air duct system.

In general, the at least one fan 7 is preferably arranged in the flow channel 13 between the means for sterilization 10 and the exhaust air opening 6 and/or at the exhaust air opening 6 . At this point in the device, the noise of the fan can best be shielded.

Advantageously, only the sterilized air stream flows against the ventilator. However, this also pursues a general aim of the invention, namely that the sucked-in, non-sterilized air flow is fed directly to the means for sterilization without coming into contact with other elements, such as filter elements or flow-guiding elements of the ventilator. This also reduces the required disinfection intervals of the device.

In principle, the fan can also be designed as a sheath flow fan, which is preferably used centrally in the flow channel and does not take up the entire flow cross section. It is consequently not only penetrated by the air flow, but also flows around it and generates a central air flow, which then takes the surrounding air flow areas through the flow channel, preferably out of the exhaust air opening. The flow profile is therefore maximum in the flow cross-section in the area of the ducted fan and then decreases towards the walls of the flow channel and thus the exhaust air opening, which means that not only quieter operation but also fundamentally lower turbulence when the sterilized aerosol-containing air exits can be achieved. This serves in particular for the comfort of the people in the vicinity of the device.

A preferred further embodiment represents 5 . It provides that the at least one exhaust air opening 6 opens directly into the at least one intake volume 14 . The sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening is thus fed back from the through-flow channel directly into the at least one suction volume and thus advantageously dilutes the concentration of germs in the aerosol-containing air in the suction volume.

This in 5 The exemplary embodiment illustrated for this purpose includes, for example, a device which can be placed on a tabletop 2, ie between and preferably in the middle of the people sitting at the table. Here, for example, a suction opening 4 or a row of suction openings oriented radially outwards towards the persons and an exhaust air opening 6 or row of exhaust air openings also oriented outwards are provided, the air then being directed radially inwards into at least one vertical flow channel section 15, in which the means for sterilization 10 and preferably also the fan 7 are arranged. The suction opening 4 is preferably located below the persons' breathing openings (mouth and nose) and aligned with them. The suction opening and exhaust air opening are preferably not only close to one another, but also directed parallel to one another towards the suction volume. In the example, these are horizontally separated from one another by a partition plate 16, with a lower vessel-shaped housing half 17 delimiting the intake opening 4 at the bottom and an upper vessel-shaped housing half 18 delimiting the exhaust air opening 6 at the top.

Basically, the in 5 embodiment shown also one of the above Embodiment, as for example 2a 1 and b are shown supplemented with the upper and lower housing halves 17 and 18 respectively and the baffle plate 16 as a means of redirecting the flow of air in and out of the device.

Represent a preferred further embodiment 6a and b. They comprise at least one means for deflecting 19 the sterilized air flow from an exhaust air opening 6 as a return air flow in the direction of the at least one suction opening 4 or the at least one suction volume 14 at the at least one suction opening. This means that the sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening is not introduced directly into the intake volume, but is only deflected in that direction by the deflection means 19 .

The means for deflection comprise at least one deflection plate 20 or at least one deflection duct (e.g. deflection hoses, preferably adjustable in direction), preferably immediately downstream of the exhaust air opening 6 in the direction of flow. This means that the sterilized air flow leaves the cleaning system with the exhaust air opening and therefore has the possibility of mixing with the prevailing ambient air before it reaches the suction volume 14 despite the deflection means.

A special embodiment provides that the means for deflection 19 open out or are directed directly into the at least one intake volume 14, more preferably into the intake volume from which the deflected sterilized air flow originally comes. Here, the air flow is directed away from the aerosol source directly to at least one intake volume. In the case of a table with a device arranged centrally above it (cf. also 1a and b) it means that the deflected sterilized air flow is directed downwards towards the table surface, in front of the heads of the people sitting at the table (cf. 6a) .

An alternative embodiment provides that the aerosol sources are positioned between the deflection means 19 and the at least one suction opening 4 . In the case of a table with a device arranged centrally above it, this means that the deflected sterilized air flow is directed downwards, but behind the heads of the people 3 sitting at the table (cf. 6b) . Due to the suction from the suction volume in front of the heads of the people sitting at the table, the sterilized air flow also moves up past the heads into the suction volume 14.

Configurations of the means for sterilizing the at least one aerosol or parts thereof in the air flow are explained in more detail below.

First configurations of the means for sterilization also include means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof in the air flow. These means for separation are preferably used for the selective and temporary fixation of aerosol components for subsequent sterilization. They are not intended for separating dust particles or other solid components.

An embodiment of this means for sterilization, represented by 7a and b, comprises at least one separating surface 24 for the aerosol as a means for separating. The aerosol can preferably be fixed on the separation surfaces for sterilization. The provision of an electrostatic field 25 between two electrodes 26 is preferably additionally proposed. The electrostatic field extends at least over part of the at least one separation area. More preferably, this field extends at least at one point in the flow channel 13 over the entire flow cross section. An aerosol guided past the separating surfaces (throughflow indicated by arrows) thus automatically passes through the electrostatic field, with aerosol components 27 , in particular already ionized components, preferably being deflected towards the separating surfaces 24 . Optionally, there is an upstream ionization stage (not shown) for the aerosol components before they enter the electrostatic field. It is also proposed that one of the electrodes as in 7a and b represented by at least a part of the at least one separating surface, arranged between the at least one suction opening and the electrostatic field in such a way that it captures the air flow in the entire flow cross section.

7a shows an exemplary configuration without internals, ie flow obstacles in the flow channel. The electrodes face each other flat; the deposition surface 24 can be irradiated, for example, by the other electrode, for example by a UV radiation source arranged on the inner wall of the housing 5 .

represented against 7b an embodiment in which the separation surface 24 is formed by the peripheral inner wall of the housing 5 and spans a peripheral electrostatic field 25 with a central electrode 26 .

The constellations shown are particularly suitable for sterilization using electro static plasma field over the separation surfaces or the separation areas, alternatively also for thermal sterilization by heating the separation surfaces, for example using a microwave.

In addition or as an alternative to this, it is proposed that at least part of the at least one aforementioned separation surface has coolant (preferably fluidly via coolant circuits or electrically via Peltier elements) for a surface temperature. This cools down the surface temperature of the separation surfaces, preferably below 10°C, more preferably below 0°C. Depending on the set temperature, cooling accelerates the formation of condensation or frost and thus the attachment of aerosol components when they hit a separation surface, and detachment from the surface again by evaporation or sublimation is advantageously delayed.

Provision is preferably made for the aerosol components fixed on the at least one separating surface 24 to also be sterilized there, with these evaporating or sublimating after, but preferably during, the sterilization and thus leaving the separating surface sterilized.

A further embodiment of the means for separation represents 8a and b. They comprise at least one inertial force separator and/or a filter surface spanning the flow cross section.

8a shows an example of means for separation in the form of an inertial force separator 29, preferably with at least one flow deflection 28 and subsequent separation areas 30 after each flow deflection, ie at least one separate separation area for the at least one aerosol. Inertial mass separators preferably use the inertial mass differences of air and aerosol components in the case of a flow deflection and/or flow velocity change for material separation. As a result, there is local accumulation of the aerosol components in the air, for example in the aforementioned separation areas. The separating surfaces of the separating areas can preferably be heated within the scope of a sterilization, ie the sterilization (and immediately following evaporation) preferably takes place when aerosol components impinge on the separating surfaces.

in a 8b As an alternative or in addition, a filter surface 31 spanning the flow cross-section of the flow channel 13 is proposed in the embodiment shown as an example, which can be used as separation surfaces or separation areas for a temporary fixation of aerosol components for the subsequent sterilization. The preferably sloping arrangement of the filter surface shown advantageously causes an increase in the filter surface available as a separation surface and enables a preferred arrangement of at least one UV radiation source 32 for sterilizing the aerosol components separated on the filter surface on the inner wall of the tubular housing 5.

To shield the environment from UV radiation escaping from the through-flow channel 13, additional light-tight, open-pored foam elements 33, preferably designed as metal foam elements, are arranged on both sides of the UV radiation sources 32, but through which a flow can take place.

In a further preferred embodiment, the aforementioned open-pored foam elements through which fluid can flow can be heated, preferably designed as metal foam elements by means of resistance heating or with a microwave source. They serve as an alternative or additional sterilization stage, whereby the pore surfaces can also be used as temporary separation stages for aerosol components.

The separation areas or additional separation areas are preferably positioned in the areas of local accumulation of the aerosol components. The mass force separators and/or the filter surfaces serve as separation surfaces, in contrast to the prior art not for the permanent fixation and removal, but for the temporary fixation of aerosol components for the subsequent sterilization.

Furthermore, it is preferably proposed here that the at least one mass force separator and/or the filter surface form or have at least one separate separation surface for the at least one aerosol.

1. a) ein elektrostatisches Plasmafeld über den Abscheideflächen oder den Abscheidebereichen (vgl. insbes. 7a und b), und/oder
2. b) ein Aufheizmittel zur Erhitzung des durchströmenden Mediums, d.h. der Luft und des Aerosols, vorzugsweise im Abscheidebereich, vorzugsweise auch Erhitzung der mindestens einen Abscheidefläche auf eine Temperatur von über 40 °C, vorzugsweise größer 70°C,

und/oder

• c) mindestens eine UV Strahlungsquelle (vorzugsweise UVC Strahlungsquelle), vorzugsweise UV- oder UVC-LEDs oder eine Gasentladungslampe (vorzugsweise eine Quecksilber-Gasentladungslampe) umfassend, mit einer Wellenlänge zwischen 180 und 410 nm, vorzugsweise zwischen 220 und 280 nm, vorzugsweise auf die Abscheideflächen oder Abscheidebereiche gerichtet (vgl. insbes. 8a und b),

und/oder

• d) eine Mikrowellenquelle zur Erhitzung der mindestens einen Abscheidefläche oder des Abscheidebereiches.

The aforementioned separation means, in particular the preferred separation surfaces or separation areas, are part of the sterilization means. This follows the idea of first separating and/or fixing the aerosol and then sterilizing it using the following means. The sterilization agents that can be combined with these are preferably:

1. a) an electrostatic plasma field over the separation surfaces or the separation areas (see esp. 7a and b), and/or
2. b) a heating means for heating the medium flowing through, ie the air and the aerosol, preferably in the separation area, preferably also heating the at least a separation surface at a temperature of more than 40 °C, preferably more than 70 °C,

and or

• c) comprising at least one UV radiation source (preferably UVC radiation source), preferably UV or UVC LEDs or a gas discharge lamp (preferably a mercury gas discharge lamp), with a wavelength between 180 and 410 nm, preferably between 220 and 280 nm, preferably on the Separation surfaces or separation areas directed (cf. esp. 8a and b)

and or

• d) a microwave source for heating the at least one separating surface or the separating area.

In the operating state, the means mentioned are preferably activated with a constant load or setting, alternatively in pulses, cyclically or at intervals.

The means for sterilization mentioned under b) and d) are distinguished from the means mentioned a) and c) by an increased temperature emission, which is why they are proposed in particular for environments that are not sensitive to heat. As an alternative to this, it is proposed to combine these agents with other agents, preferably the UV sterilization mentioned under c). Here, the agents mentioned under b) and d) are adjusted to a lower temperature level, e.g. between 30 and 50°C, only for pre-damaging through the onset of drying of the aerosols contaminated with germs and thus for increasing the efficiency of a subsequent UV sterilization.

1. a) Mindestens ein Heizmittel mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel hierbei ist die möglichst vollständige konvektive Aufheizung des vollständigen Luftstroms über den gesamten Durchströmungsquerschnitt im unmittelbaren Kontakt mit Heizelementen oder zusätzlichen Wärmeübertragungselementen. Gegenüber allgemein bekannten Heißluftgebläsen (Heizlüfter, Föns etc.) zeichnet sich dieses Heizmittel durch eine maximale Temperatur der Heizelemente oder zusätzlichen Wärmeübertragungselemente unterhalb 100°C, vorzugsweise unter 70 oder 50°C aus. Um eine vollständige Erwärmung zu gewährleisten, sind im Durchströmungskanal zur Realisierung kürzerer Wärmeübertragungswege in den Luftstrom zumindest eine Auffächerung des Luftstroms in Teilkanäle vorteilhaft. Dies erfordert zumindest anströmbare oder umströmbare Elemente 34 im Durchströmungskanal, von denen einige beispielhaft in den Draufsichten über den Durchströmungsquerschnitt in 9a bis d schematisch dargestellt sind. 9a repräsentiert ein Schaumelement 33, vorzugsweise ein Metallschaumelement (vgl. 8b), während beispielhafte 9b bis d Profileinsätze zeigen, die sich vorzugsweise in axialer Richtung des rohrförmigen Gehäuses 5 nicht oder nur mit einer Schraubenförmigen Verdrehung ändern. Das mindestens eine Heizmittel umfasst dabei vorzugsweise mindestens ein Widerstandheizelement mit oder ohne Wärmeübertragungselemente, das als mindestens ein anströmbares oder umströmbares Element 34 der vorgenannten Art im Durchströmungskanal weiter bevorzugt von der Luftströmung an- oder umströmbar angeordnet ist. Vorzugsweise erfolgt eine Wärmeübertragung über Wärmeableitungsrippen oder einen offenporigen Metallschaum (Schaumelement 33, 9a) oder ein Sieb oder Siebgewebe im Durchströmungskanal (beispielhaft die in 9b bis d gezeigten Profileinsätze), als Komponenten dieser Heizmittel, wobei diese entweder durch direkten Stromdurchgang oder über angesetzte Heizelemente aufheizbar gestaltet sind. Die vorgenannten Wärmeableitungsrippen erstrecken sich vorzugsweise in Richtung der Luftströmung und/oder sind vorzugsweise als Strömungsleitungselemente ausgebildet. Eine optionale Ausgestaltung sieht beispielsweise vor, die Strömungsleitelemente mit Strömungsabrisselementen oder -kanten zur Erzeugung lokaler Turbulenzen, die in ihrer Ausdehnung vorzugsweise nicht auf den gesamten Strömungsquerschnitt erstrecken, in einer ansonsten bevorzugt laminaren Grundströmung auszugestalten. Strömungsabrisselemente sind bei einem offenporigen Metallschaum oder einem Siebgewebe allein durch deren komplexe Struktur gegeben. Turbulenzen dienen insbesondere dem Abbau der thermisch isolierenden Strömungsgrenzflächen auf einer angeströmten Oberfläche und erhöhen damit die erzielbare Wärmeübertragung. Dagegen erhöhen großvolumige Turbulenzen, die sich auf den gesamten Strömungsquerschnitt oder einen gesamten Teilquerschnitt erstrecken und/oder die ansonsten vorherrschende laminare Strömung dominieren, grundsätzlich auch die Gefahr von Refluxeffekten und damit ungewollte Vermischungen von sterilisierten und nicht sterilisierten Aerosolbestandteilen und/oder auch eine ungleichmäßige Wärmeübertragung auf die Aerosolbestandteile.
2. b) UV-Lichtquellen mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal: Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die UV-Lichtquelle, vorzugsweise eine UVC-Lichtquelle, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft direkt angestrahlt wird. Vorzugsweise werden hierzu mindestens eine UV-Lichtquelle im Durchströmungskanal angeordnet. Der Wirkbereich dieser UV-Lichtquellen befindet sich im Durchströmungskanal und erfasst vorzugsweise insgesamt, weiter bevorzugt für jede dieser UV-Quelle einen vollständigen und vorzugsweise auch einen eigenen Durchströmungsquerschnitt, was eine in Durchströmungsrichtung serielle Anordnung der Quellen als besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform hervorhebt. Vorzugsweise sind für eine Vermeidung einer unzulässig hohen Exposition an UV-Strahlung in der unmittelbaren Umgebung die UV-Lichtquellen und/oder die Wirkbereiche dieser optisch von der Ansaugöffnung und vorzugsweise von der Abluftöffnung abgeschirmt.
3. c) mindestens ein Mittel für eine Plasmaentladung mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die Plasmaentladung, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft wie bei der UV-Strahlung direkt angestrahlt wird. Vorzugsweise werden hierzu mindestens eine Plasmaentladung zwischen mindestens zwei Elektroden, die optional auch als elektrisch isolierte oder vorzugsweise elektrisch leitfähige Strömungsleitflächen gestaltbar sind, im Durchströmungskanal angeordnet. Optional werden auch mehrere Plasmaentladungen im Durchströmungskanal vorzugsweise seriell, bei einer Auffächerung in Teilkanäle auch parallel vorgeschlagen. Deren Wirkbereiche befinden sich im Durchströmungskanal und erfassen vorzugsweise insgesamt, weiter bevorzugt für jede dieser Plasmaentladung einen vollständigen und vorzugsweise auch eigenen Durchströmungsquerschnitt, was eine in Durchströmungsrichtung serielle Anordnung der Plasmaentladungsquellen als besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform hervorhebt.
4. d) mindestens eine Mikrowellenquelle mit Wirkbereich im Durchströmungskanal:
   • Ziel ist die Erfassung der gesamten durch den Durchströmungskanal durchgeleiteten Luftstrom durch die Mikrowellenquelle, wobei die aerosolhaltige Luft angestrahlt wird und durch die Mikrowellen erwärmt wird. Die Mikrowellen erwärmend dabei entweder das Aerosol in der Luft direkt oder indirekt über angestrahlte Wärmeleitelemente, die in ihrer Ausgestaltung, insbesondere ihrer Materialauswahl, hinsichtlich ihrer Ankopplungseigenschaften an die eingestrahlte Mikrowellenlänge angepasst sind.

Furthermore, means for sterilization without the aforementioned means for separating the at least one aerosol or parts thereof in the air flow are also proposed. The effective areas of these means preferably span the flow cross section at least at one point or, in the case of a fanning out, the flow cross sections completely. These means of sterilization, which are proposed alone or in combination with one another, are as follows:

1. a) At least one heating medium with an effective range in the flow channel:
   • The aim here is the most complete possible convective heating of the entire air flow over the entire flow cross section in direct contact with heating elements or additional heat transfer elements. Compared to well-known hot air blowers (fan heaters, hair dryers, etc.), this heating means is characterized by a maximum temperature of the heating elements or additional heat transfer elements below 100°C, preferably below 70 or 50°C. In order to ensure complete heating, at least a fanning out of the air flow into sub-channels is advantageous in the through-flow channel to realize shorter heat transfer paths in the air flow. This requires at least elements 34 that can be flown onto or around in the flow channel, some of which are shown as examples in the top views of the flow cross section in 9a until i.e are shown schematically. 9a represents a foam element 33, preferably a metal foam element (cf. 8b) , while exemplary 9b until i.e Show profile inserts that preferably do not change in the axial direction of the tubular housing 5 or only with a helical twist. The at least one heating means preferably comprises at least one resistance heating element with or without heat transfer elements, which is arranged as at least one element 34 of the aforementioned type that can flow against or around it in the through-flow channel, more preferably so that the air flow can flow against or around it. Heat is preferably transferred via heat dissipation ribs or an open-pored metal foam (foam element 33, 9a) or a screen or screen fabric in the flow channel (example the in 9b until i.e profile inserts shown), as components of these heating means, whereby these are designed to be heated either by direct current passage or by means of attached heating elements. The aforementioned heat dissipation ribs preferably extend in the direction of the air flow and/or are preferably designed as flow guide elements. An optional configuration provides, for example, for the flow guide elements to be designed with flow breakaway elements or edges to generate local turbulence, which preferably does not extend to the entire flow cross section, in an otherwise preferably laminar basic flow. In the case of an open-pored metal foam or a screen fabric, stall elements are given solely by their complex structure. Turbulence serves in particular to break down the thermally insulating flow boundary surfaces on a surface that is subjected to the flow and thus increase the heat transfer that can be achieved. On the other hand, large-volume turbulences that extend to the entire flow cross-section or an entire partial cross-section and/or increase the otherwise prevailing lami nare flow dominate, in principle also the risk of reflux effects and thus unwanted mixing of sterilized and non-sterilized aerosol components and / or uneven heat transfer to the aerosol components.
2. b) UV light sources with an effective range in the flow channel: The aim is to record the entire air flow passed through the flow channel using the UV light source, preferably a UVC light source, with the aerosol-containing air being irradiated directly. For this purpose, at least one UV light source is preferably arranged in the flow channel. The effective range of these UV light sources is located in the flow channel and covers preferably a total, more preferably a complete and preferably also a separate flow cross section for each of these UV sources, which emphasizes a serial arrangement of the sources in the flow direction as a particularly preferred embodiment. In order to avoid unacceptably high exposure to UV radiation in the immediate vicinity, the UV light sources and/or the effective areas of these are preferably optically shielded from the suction opening and preferably from the exhaust air opening.
3. c) at least one means for a plasma discharge with an effective area in the flow channel:
   • The aim is to capture the entire air flow conducted through the flow channel by the plasma discharge, with the aerosol-containing air being irradiated directly, as with UV radiation. For this purpose, at least one plasma discharge is preferably arranged between at least two electrodes, which can optionally also be configured as electrically insulated or preferably electrically conductive flow guide surfaces, in the flow channel. Optionally, a plurality of plasma discharges in the through-flow channel are also proposed, preferably in series, and also in parallel when fanned out into sub-channels. Their effective areas are located in the flow channel and preferably cover a complete and preferably separate flow cross section for each of these plasma discharges, which emphasizes a serial arrangement of the plasma discharge sources in the flow direction as a particularly preferred embodiment.
4. d) at least one microwave source with an effective range in the flow channel:
   • The aim is to use the microwave source to record the entire air flow passed through the flow channel, with the aerosol-containing air being irradiated and heated by the microwaves. The microwaves either heat the aerosol in the air directly or indirectly via radiated heat-conducting elements, which are adapted in terms of their design, in particular their material selection, to the radiated microwave length with regard to their coupling properties.

A particularly advantageous embodiment shows 10a and b with an embodiment of the means for sterilization by means of UVC LEDs and waste heat conducting plates. It provides a device that provides at least one UV light source (UV radiation source, generally also including UVC light source or UVC radiation source), in the example a UVC LED 37, as means for sterilization, as well as heating means.

The at least one UV light source and the heating means preferably have active areas arranged in series. More preferably, several UV light sources and then at least one heating means are arranged in series in the flow channel, with each of these effective areas more preferably spanning the entire flow cross section.

10a shows a schematic side sectional view with a flow channel 13 guided in a U-shape around a circuit board 36. In this configuration, it is particularly advantageous to combine the at least one UV light source (UVC-LED 37) and the heating means in terms of equipment, with the heating means means for dissipating heat (cooling fins 38) of waste heat from the at least one UV light source. UVC LEDs and cooling fins are each arranged on one side of circuit carrier 36, with the cooling fins being arranged parallel to the flow in the direction of flow and preferably extending in the flow channel to immediately in front of the arrangement of the UVC LED, i.e. also in the area of flow deflection 28. They preferably also thermally detect the outer walls in the flow deflections, on or via which aerosol components preferably accumulate. An open-pored foam element 33 prevents light from escaping from the exhaust air opening; the fan 7 ensures the flow.

It is optionally proposed to additionally arrange at least one Peltier element as an electrothermal converter on circuit carrier 36 between foam element 33 and cooling fins 38 in such a way that the heat-absorbing pole of the Peltier element is coupled to the foam element and the heat-emitting pole of the Peltier element is coupled to the cooling fins. This is the air flow from the foam element and heat is thus extracted from the sterilized air flow leaving the exhaust air opening, which heat is then additionally added via the cooling fins as additional heating of the unsterilized air flow drawn in via the suction opening.

10b shows a specific embodiment of a module with circuit board 36 without housing, fan and foam element, but with six UVC LEDs 37 arranged in series and three cooling fins 38 arranged parallel to one another under the circuit board and electronic control components 39.

The waste heat from the UV light sources can thus be used in a particularly advantageous manner for further sterilization of the air flow. A particularly preferred embodiment provides for the at least one UV light source and the heat dissipation structure to be arranged on at least one circuit carrier such as a circuit board in or on the flow cross section, with more preferably the at least one UV light source on one side and the heat dissipation structure on the other side of the at least one circuit carrier are arranged and the flow channel is adjacent to both sides of the circuit carrier.

The design of the in 10b circuit carrier shown is preferably suitable as a module for a parallel arrangement with other circuit carriers. It is also proposed that the through-flow cross-section should be made rectangular and not round.

This embodiment is therefore particularly well suited for integration into a device that can be used as a mobile desktop device. The suction opening 4 is preferably located below the person's breathing openings (mouth and nose). Here, too, the suction opening and exhaust air opening 6 are preferably not only close to one another, but also directed parallel to one another onto the suction volume 14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 5 also has parallel upper and lower sides, which means that the device can be used in a particularly advantageous manner as a support for objects, such as, for example, as part of a warming plate for food.

Alternatively, there is an integration of this embodiment or just the above-mentioned arrangement of the Peltier elements in a flow deflection arrangement 8a on, preferably with a separate module corresponding to each flow deflection 10b is foreseeable (serial arrangement).

Reference List

1

contraption

2

table or worktop

3

persons

4

intake port

5

vertically oriented tubular housing

6

exhaust vent

7

fan

8th

cover plate

9

Intake opening with a trumpet-shaped flow cross-section

10

means of sterilization

11

open vessel

12

annular gap volume

13

flow channel

14

intake volume

15

vertical flow channel section

16

partition plate

17

Lower case half

18

Upper case half

19

means of redirection

20

Baffle plate

21

intake gap

22

passage opening

23

deflection trough

24

separation surface

25

electrostatic field

26

electrodes

27

aerosol components

28

flow deflection

29

mass force separator

30

separation areas

31

filter surface

32

UV radiation source

33

foam element

34

elements that can be flown onto or around

35

heat dissipation fin

36

circuit carrier

37

UVC LED

38

cooling fin

39

control components

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 2455678 A2 [0011]
• DD 157626 [0011]
• DE 102015013630 A1 [0012]
• DE 202016004286 U1 [0013]

Claims (35)

Device (1) for the local sterilization of aerosol-containing air, comprising a) at least one flow channel (13) with one or more flow cross sections, b) at least one fan (7) for generating an air flow in the flow channel, c) means for sterilizing (10) at least one aerosol in the air stream, d) at least one suction opening (4) for the aerosol-containing air in the flow channel and e) at least one exhaust air opening (6) for a sterilized air flow from the flow channel, wherein f) the at least one intake opening opens into at least one intake volume (14), each of the at least one intake volume adjoining an aerosol source. Device according to one of Claims 1 , characterized in that the at least one exhaust air opening (6) opens directly into the at least one intake volume (14). device after claim 1 , further comprising at least means for deflecting (19) the air flow as return air flow in the direction of the at least one suction opening (4) or the at least one suction volume (14) at the at least one suction opening (4). device after claim 3 , characterized in that the means for deflection (19) comprises at least one deflection plate (20) or a deflection channel. device after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the means for deflection (19) open directly into the at least one intake volume (14) or are directed. device after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the aerosol sources are positioned between the deflection means (19) and the at least one suction opening (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged above a table or worktop (2) or a walk-in room and the suction opening (4) points downwards. device after claim 7 , comprising a vessel (11) open at the top, into which part of the device (1) including the suction opening (4) is inserted to form an annular gap volume (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged underneath a floor, table or worktop (2) and the suction opening (4) points upwards through the floor, table or worktop , device after claim 9 , characterized in that a cover element, preferably a cover plate (8), is arranged at a distance above the suction opening (4) to form a circumferential suction gap (21). device after claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that passage openings (22) through the floor, table or worktop (2) are arranged under the intake volume (14) and preferably a deflection trough (23) under the floor, table or worktop, the exhaust air opening (6) and the passage openings are provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exhaust air opening (6) is connected to an exhaust air duct system, the fan (7) being part of the exhaust air duct system. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fan (7) is arranged in the flow channel (13) preferably between the sterilization means (10) and the exhaust air opening (6) and/or in front of the sterilization means and the exhaust air opening . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for sterilization (10) comprise means for separating the at least one aerosol in the air flow. device after Claim 14 , characterized in that the means for separating comprise at least one separating surface (24) for the aerosol. device after claim 15 , characterized in that an electrostatic field (25) extends between two electrodes (26) over at least part of the at least one separation surface (24), the electrostatic field extending at least at one point in the flow channel (13) over the entire flow cross section . device after Claim 16 , characterized in that one of the electrodes (26) is formed by at least part of the at least one separating surface (24). Device according to one of Claims 15 until 17 , characterized in that at least one ionization stage is arranged between the at least one intake opening (4) and the electrostatic field (25), which detects the air flow in the entire flow cross section. Device according to one of Claims 15 until 18 , characterized in that at least part of the at least one separation surface (24) has coolant for a surface temperature of less than 10°C. Device according to one of Claims 14 until 19 , characterized in that the means for separation comprise at least one inertial force separator and/or a filter surface (31) spanning the flow cross section. device after claim 20 , characterized in that the at least one mass force separator and/or the filter surface (31) forms or has at least one separate separation surface for the at least one aerosol. Device according to one of Claims 15 until 21 , characterized in that the means for sterilization (10) a) an electrostatic plasma field over the separation surfaces and / or b) a heating means for heating the medium flowing through to a temperature of over 40 ° C, preferably greater than 70 ° C and / or c ) at least one UV radiation source (32), preferably UV LEDs or a gas discharge lamp, preferably a mercury gas discharge lamp, comprising, with a wavelength between 180 and 410 nm, preferably between 220 and 280 nm, and/or d) a microwave source for heating which comprise at least one separation surface. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one heating means with an effective area in the flow channel (13). device after Claim 23 , characterized in that the heating means comprises heat dissipation ribs (35) or an open-pored foam element (33), preferably made of metal, or a screen or screen fabric in the flow channel. device after Claim 24 , characterized in that the heat dissipation ribs (35) are formed by flow line elements. Device according to one of Claims 23 until 25 , characterized in that the heating means comprises at least one resistance heating element. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one UV light source (32, 37), preferably a UVC LED (37), with an effective area in the flow channel (13). device after Claim 27 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source additionally comprise heating means. device after claim 28 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source and the heating means have serially arranged effective areas. device after claim 28 or 29 , characterized in that the heating means comprise means for heat dissipation (35, 38) of waste heat from the at least one UV light source (32, 37). device after Claim 30 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source (32, 37) and the heat dissipation structure (38) are arranged on at least one circuit carrier (36) in or on the flow cross section (13). device after Claim 31 , characterized in that the at least one UV light source (37) is arranged on one side and the heat dissipation structure (35, 38) on the other side of the at least one circuit carrier (36) and the flow channel (13) borders on both sides of the circuit carrier. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one means for a plasma discharge with an effective area in the flow channel (13). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for sterilization (10) comprise at least one microwave source with an effective area in the flow channel (13). Device according to one of Claims 23 until 34 , characterized in that the active area completely spans the flow cross-section at least at one point.

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