EP1804841A2

EP1804841A2 - Process and device for sterilising ambient air

Info

Publication number: EP1804841A2
Application number: EP05807428A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Werner Schröder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-10-18
Filing date: 2005-10-18
Publication date: 2007-07-11
Also published as: WO2006042740A2; DE102005003923A1; KR20070090162A; CA2584532A1; JP2008516652A; WO2006042740A3; AU2005296758A1; US20070253860A1

Abstract

A process is disclosed for sterilising ambient air conducted in an air duct (401), as well as a use of a device for breaking down gaseous hydrocarbon emissions in order to sterilise ambient air conducted in an air duct (104), and a device for sterilising ambient air conducted in an air duct (401). According to the claimed process, ambient air is supplied to the air duct (401) of an UV unit (403) for irradiation with UV radiation, and the thus pre-purified ambient air is supplied to a downstream ionisation unit (407) arranged in the air duct and in which the ambient air is ionised.

Description

Device and method for disinfecting room air

The invention relates to a method for decontamination of guided in an air duct room air, use of a device for reducing gaseous hydrocarbon emissions for decontamination of guided in an air duct room air and a device for decontamination of guided in an air duct room air.

From EP 0 778 070 Bl a device is known to reduce gaseous hydrocarbon emissions in an air duct, is discharged through the pollutant-containing exhaust air. In the known device, at least one UV radiator is provided in a first section of the air duct, which exposes the exhaust air with a UV radiation having a wavelength of preferably 254 nm and a wavelength of preferably 185 nm, wherein the UV radiation, the excitation of Hydrocarbons to higher energy levels and additionally causes the formation of ozone, molecular oxygen and radicals from the ozone and a partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules in the gas phase. In a subsequent second section, a catalyst is provided, on the surface of which a catalytic oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules is carried out so that the hydrocarbon molecules adsorb, then oxidized on the active surface by the additionally formed ozone and / or radicals and from the surface of the catalyst be removed in the form of H ₂ O and CO ₂ as a reaction product. _ o _

From EP 0 778 070 Bl it is thus known to convert pollutants such as solvents or odorous substances in two successive sections in an air duct leading the room air. In the first section arise due to the interaction of UV radiation and guided in the air duct exhaust air required for the degradation of pollutants reactive species. Due to the absorption of UV light by oxygen and water molecules of the exhaust air, the oxidizing agents ozone, hydrogen peroxide and O and OH radicals are formed. These have high oxidation potentials and are therefore able to oxidize pollutants. This initiates a chain reaction that creates new radicals that in turn can attack other molecules. In addition, there is an absorption of UV radiation by the pollutant molecules and their decay products. By absorbing the light energy, the pollutants are stimulated to higher energy levels and thus for a reaction with the reactive species or with

Atmospheric oxygen activated. If the supply of light energy is sufficiently high, the molecule breaks down. The decomposition products of Schadstoffphotolyse can also form OH radicals or initiate radical chain reactions. As a result of light excitation and the presence of reactive oxygen compounds, homogeneous gas phase reactions start. In combination with this photooxidative reaction, the second reaction stage following the first reaction stage is a catalyst unit which permits additional degradation reactions and in which excess ozone is decomposed, thus ensuring that the harmful gas does not release ozone into the environment. The catalyst known from EP 0 778 070 B1 is preferably an activated carbon catalyst. The activated carbon used is a highly porous material with an inner surface of about 1200 m ² / g, which are used as a reaction surface. The task of

On the one hand, activated carbon consists of retaining hardly oxidizable compounds and thus increasing their residence time in the reactor. As a result, the concentration of these components is increased compared to the gas phase, which leads to an increase in the reaction rate with the oxygen species formed on the activated carbon surface. On the other hand, it is ensured by the use of the activated carbon as a downstream catalyst, that the harmful gas ozone does not escape into the environment, since activated carbon acts as an ozone filter.

It is also mentioned in EP 0 778 070 B1 to provide ionization of the exhaust air in a third section.

The device known from EP 0 778 070 B1 and the method known therefrom are used to decompose odors and pollutants contained in the exhaust air, in particular in the form of hydrocarbons. Other uses of this device and method are not known.

From US 5 230 220 an air cleaning device for the interior of a refrigerator is known, which among other things also serves to reduce bacteria in the air cleaning device supplied air. The

Air purifier includes a UV emitter and a catalyst, wherein the air to be cleaned first passes the UV emitter and then flows through the catalyst. The catalyst has the task of breaking down the excess ozone produced by the UV lamp. WO 91/00708 A1 describes a compact

Air purifier integrated in a lampholder. Inside the lamp holder is a UV lamp, which is wrapped with a filament. The filament is to produce heat inside the lamp socket and at the same time ionize the air in the lamp socket. An integrated fan draws in air through the socket of the lamp socket. At the upper edge of the lampholder there is a filter, through which the sucked air emerges from the lampholder. UV emitter and filament act as a common reaction stage to the passing air. It is mentioned that this air purifier can also be used to kill microorganisms.

JP 062 05930 A discloses an apparatus and a method for cleaning room air contaminated with cigarette smoke. One embodiment shows a UV emitter around which the electrode of an ionization unit is wound. UV emitter and ionization unit also act in this embodiment as a common reaction stage on the passing air.

A disadvantage of the known devices and methods is the limited scope. For example, in the operation of air conditioners, it has been found necessary to sterilize the air circulated in the air conditioner. The known devices and methods are not suitable for such an application, in particular due to the low flow rates. The device known from EP 0 778 070 B1 requires the presence of hydrocarbons. The object of the invention is therefore to find a device and a method for sterilization of guided in an air duct room air.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, a use of a device according to claim 5 and a device according to claim 22.

Basis of the invention and in particular of the method according to claim 1 according to the invention is the connection of UV unit and ionization unit.

It has been shown to be a very effective degerming

Effect of the air duct supplied room air and at the same time a sustainable sterilization of the air duct discharged room air occurs when the

Air duct from a UV unit and a subsequent

Ionization unit exists.

The UV unit causes a killing of microorganisms that are essentially due to the formation of reactive

Reactants such as ozone and / or oxygen radicals and based on the absorption of UV radiation.

It is known that the formation of reactive reactants such as ozone and / or oxygen radicals and thus an ozone-producing effect can be achieved in particular if the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the respective UV unit is less than 240 nrα, for example in the region of 185 nm, lies. Due to the formation of ozone, the sterilizing effect occurs in the wavelength range below 240 nm, in particular by the oxidation of the microorganisms.

In addition, absorption of UV radiation by the microorganisms and the formation of radicals by UV Radiation above 240 nm, for example in the range of 254 nm, can be achieved. A killing of the microorganisms can first be achieved by absorbing the UV radiation from the microorganisms. In this wavelength range, in addition, the already produced ozone is again split into an oxygen molecule and a reactive oxygen atom, so that the already described disinfecting effect by radicals also occurs in this wavelength range. Finally, the radiation emitted in this area causes the excitation of the organic molecules contained in the room air such as Kohlenwasserstof fe to higher energy levels. This also achieves a sterilizing effect by killing the microorganisms contained in the room air.

The pre-cleaned in this form room air is supplied in the air duct of the UV unit downstream ionization unit in which an ionization of the room air takes place. According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the ionization unit consists of at least one ionization tube. In an ionization tube, two electrodes are separated by a nonconductive dielectric. The ionization is based on a controlled gas discharge, which takes place between the two electrodes and the intervening dielectric, wherein the electrodes are typically driven with an AC voltage with peak values between 500 V and 10 kV. The frequency of the alternating voltage is preferably in the range of 50 Hz, but it is also possible to use high-frequency alternating voltages up to 50 kHz. The gas discharge is a barrier discharge, with the dielectric acting as a dielectric barrier. As a result, time-limited single discharges are achieved, preferably homogeneously over the entire Electrode surface are distributed. Characteristic of these barrier discharges is that the transition to a thermal arc discharge through the dielectric barrier is prevented. The discharge breaks down before the high-energy electrons (1 - 10 eV) produced by the ignition release their energy to the surrounding gas by thermalization. The energy released by the discharge process is absorbed by oxygen and water molecules in the air, forming oxygen and hydroxyl radicals as well as oxygen ions and ozone molecules. These species are chemically very reactive due to their increased energy and charge state and strive for union with oxidizable species such as organic and inorganic odors. As a result, the odors are chemically altered, so that new, non-odorous and harmless substances (for example, H ₂ O and CO ₂ ) form. In addition, the reactive species are additionally capable of additionally damaging and killing the microorganisms remaining from the first two reaction stages.

The ions produced in the ionization unit can have a residence time of a few hours. Another effect of the ionization therefore consists in that the ions produced are transported further by the room air conducted in the air duct and likewise can still achieve a cleaning effect in the following units.

When using a UV unit in

However, it should be noted in combination with an ionization unit that the sterilized air after exiting the device can have a high proportion of ozone. Such a sterilization device is therefore on Restricted areas in which the ozone produced can not exert any damaging effect.

In principle, it is possible to switch a catalyst behind the ionization unit for ozone depletion. However, this again has the disadvantage that the ions produced by the ionization unit are typically also neutralized in the catalyst, whereby the purifying effect of the ions in downstream sections is weakened again. Nevertheless, in order to achieve a desired amount of ions in the catalyst leaving the air, would have a

Catalyst material can be used, which either selectively catalyzes the ozone depletion or this at least preferred compared to the ionic degradation.

Another solution according to the invention according to claim 5 is therefore to use a per se known device for reducing gaseous hydrocarbon emissions now for the sterilization of guided in an air duct room air.

In such a device, in a first section of the air duct, a UV unit for irradiating the room air with UV radiation, in a subsequent second section, a catalyst for decomposing the ozone produced by the UV unit, and in a subsequent third section an ionization unit for ionization of the room air provided.

An essential finding of this solution according to the invention is thus that the known per se device for reducing hydrocarbon emissions has a sterilizing effect on room air, wherein the presence of hydrocarbon emissions in the room air to achieve the disinfecting effect no longer needs to be presupposed. So far it has been assumed that such a device is only to be used for pollutant degradation of hydrocarbon emissions.

A further solution according to the invention consists of a known device with a UV unit for irradiating the room air with UV radiation in a first portion of the air duct, with a catalyst for reducing the ozone produced by the UV unit in a subsequent second section and with an ionization unit for the ionization of the room air in a subsequent third section. The invention according to this solution according to the invention is to provide a filter for microorganisms between the first section and the second section, whereby the device can sterilize the guided in the air duct room air.

According to this solution according to the invention, the

Accordingly, microorganisms are kept away from the filter and thus can not get into the catalyst. Preferably, the filter is arranged so close to the UV tubes that the microorganisms are effectively killed due to the long-term irradiation.

In the following, preferred embodiments are described for the solutions according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the UV unit consists of at least one cylindrically formed UV emitter. The mentioned wavelength ranges of 185 nm and 254 nm can be generated for example with mercury vapor lamps. When using conventional mercury vapor lamps the It is necessary in this case for the glass type of the glass surrounding the mercury vapor lamp not to absorb these wavelength ranges, and in particular to be able to cover the range below 240 nm. This requirement can be met for example by synthetic quartz.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first section of the air duct has surfaces reflecting in the region of the UV radiation. As a result, the intensity of the UV radiation can be increased.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the inner walls of the air duct in the

Area of UV radiation have a coating to achieve a photocatalytic effect. A photocatalytic effect can be achieved, for example, by coating with a broadband semiconductor material and has already been described in WO 2005/002638 A2 and DE 103 30 114 A1. It has been shown that, in particular, titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) or doped titanium dioxide is suitable as semiconductor material. By irradiating the titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide with UV radiation whose energy is greater than or equal to the energy difference between valence and conduction band of the semiconductor, first electron / hole pairs are generated in the semiconductor material. This leads to the formation of oxygen-containing radicals, the process of oxidation of microorganisms and thus the killing of

Effectively support microorganisms. The sterilizing effect of this photocatalytic process thus occurs in particular on the coated surfaces themselves, whereby a further increase in the efficiency of the sterilization apparatus can be achieved. In addition, it has been found that in order to achieve an optimum interaction between the UV radiation and the catalyst material, the distance between the UV radiator and the inner walls of the air duct is observed. To optimize such an air duct so the distance will always be chosen so that can be achieved with a given catalyst material and given UV emitters optimal degradation rate of the respective pollutants.

The photocatalytic effect can basically be achieved in the entire wavelength range of the described UV lamps. Experiments with titanium dioxide have shown that a particularly strong photocatalytic effect occurs at a wavelength in the range between 350 nra and 420 niα of the radiation emitted by the respective UV radiator.

The catalyst used preferably consists of an activated carbon filter. The activated carbon filter consists of its basic structure according to a container which is filled with activated carbon and through which the room air is guided.

In addition, the use of so-called carrier catalysts is possible, which are composed of a carrier material, the so-called framework substance, and certain additives, so-called promoters. As support materials, for example, activated carbon,

Pumice, zeolites or clay can be used. Suitable additives are catalytically active metal oxides, in particular oxides of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Si, Ti or Zr. Furthermore, it is possible within the scope of the invention to use the noble metals Pt, Pd or Rh as additives. Optionally, it is also possible that the additives consist of mixtures of said metal oxides and said noble metals. As a method for producing the supported catalyst, for example, the precipitation and the impregnation are known. In the first method, the active components are precipitated from the corresponding salt solutions. The impregnation method is based on impregnation of the support material with metal salt solutions or melts (eg metal oxide melts) and by applying the active components to the support from the vapor phase.

According to a further preferred embodiment can be reduced by a zigzag arrangement of the catalyst container whose wall thickness and thus its flow resistance at a given volume.

It has been found that the devices which are the basis of the invention can be used effectively in ventilation systems in order to sustainably sterilize the room air conducted there since the required air throughput can be achieved. For commercial air conditioners, for example, it is provided that the air to be ventilated filling room air is circulated several times per hour.

The sterilization of the air guided in the air duct according to the invention comprises the killing of the microorganisms contained in the room air to a degree that is acceptable to mankind. The microorganisms to be killed include viruses, bacteria, yeasts or even mold spores. It has been found that in particular air contaminated with enveloped viruses can be effectively sterilized. This applies, among other things, to SARS viruses, chicken flu viruses, Ebola viruses and influenza viruses. In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

1 shows a block diagram for the arrangement of the basic device with two sections,

Fig. 2: a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of the basic device with two

Sections according to a first embodiment,

3 shows a block diagram for the arrangement of a device with three sections,

4 shows a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of three sections according to a second embodiment,

5 shows a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of three sections according to a third embodiment,

6 shows a block diagram in which the degerminator according to the invention is connected in an air conditioning system,

7 shows a perspective view of three sections connected in series according to a fourth exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 8: a perspective view of a

Cleaning system with three sections according to the fourth embodiment of FIG. 7, 9 is a perspective view of three successive connected sections according to a fifth embodiment,

10: a perspective view of a

Cleaning system with three sections according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9,

11 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to a sixth embodiment,

FIG. 12 is a cross section of a cleaning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment; FIG.

13 shows a cross section of a cleaning device according to a seventh embodiment,

14: a cross section of a cleaning device according to an eighth embodiment and

Fig. 15: a cross section of a cleaning device according to a ninth embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram for the arrangement of the basic device with two sections. The first section contains the UV unit while the second section contains the ionization unit. The two sections form as a unit a cleaning stage 101, which is integrated in the air duct of a ventilation system. It should be noted, however, that the air 106 exiting the purification stage 101 has a high ozone content and therefore precautions must be taken to neutralize the ozone before the sterilized and purified air flows into the room to be ventilated. Especially in the operation of air conditioning systems, the problem repeatedly arises that can increase within the air conditioning harmful microorganisms such as viruses, mold spores, yeasts and bacteria, which can then lead to a harmful effect on the ventilation of rooms. The cleaning stage 101 is thus preferably connected in an air duct leading the relevant room air, so that the room air in the air duct of a

Reaction stage can be transported to the next reaction stage.

The room air 102 entering the purification stage 101 is supplied to the first section 103, in which there is a UV unit for irradiating the passing room air with UV radiation. The microorganisms in the indoor air are effectively killed by the UV radiation. In addition, the UV radiation additionally causes the formation of ozone, molecular oxygen and radicals from the ozone. The room air 104 pretreated in this form is then supplied to the second section 105, which has an ionization unit for the ionization of the room air. Ionization produces additional oxygen and hydroxyl radicals as well as oxygen ions and ozone molecules which, because of their increased energy and charge state, seek to combine with oxidisable materials. As a result, organic and inorganic odorants are chemically modified so that new, non-odorous and harmless substances (for example H ₂ O and CO ₂ ) are formed. In addition, the ionization of the air has an additional germicidal effect, so that the exiting from the second reaction stage air 106 as sterilized air a subsequent ventilation section can be fed again.

However, due to the high reactivity of the two reaction stages 103 and 105, it should be noted that the exiting air 106 directly at the outlet of the second reaction stage 105 has an ozone content which may exceed the permissible limits for the ventilation of rooms. However, this effect can be successfully used by the cleaning stage 101 is connected, for example, in front of the located in the air duct central unit of an air conditioner. In this way, the room air 106 charged with ozone and ions can first pass through the central unit of the air conditioning system and thus also have a cleansing and sterilizing effect within the central unit of the air conditioning system.

As far as the room air supplied to the room still has a too high ozone concentration, a catalyst can be provided to reduce the ozone contained in the supplied room air to an acceptable level. It should be noted, however, that the above-mentioned onward transport of the ions produced in the second reaction stage from the catalyst can also be suppressed. However, in order to achieve a desired amount of ions in the catalyst leaving the air, a must

Catalyst material can be used, which either catalyses selelctiv ozone depletion, or this in preference to the ionic degradation. Alternatively, in this case, a second ionization unit downstream of the catalyst, which in turn ions are generated, which can develop a purifying effect in subsequent sections or the room to be ventilated itself. Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of the basic device with two sections according to a first embodiment. Between the walls of the air duct 201, a UV tube 203 and an ionization tube 205 are connected directly. The incoming room air 202 first flows around one or more UV tubes 203. The room air 204 pretreated in this way then flows around one or more ionization tubes 205 before the air 206 exiting thereafter can be continued as purified and sterilized air in the air guide channel 201. This design according to the first embodiment can be kept very compact and therefore easily installed in existing facilities. A device according to this embodiment can also be used for the sterilization of, for example, SARS virus afflicted surfaces. Experimental studies on a SARS virus-infected cell culture showed that an arrangement according to Fig. 2 with a distance of about 20 cm between the

Ionization unit and the surface to be sterilized and a distance of about 3 cm between the UV unit and the surface to be sterilized led to a rapid killing of located on the surface within a cell culture SARS virus. Experimentally conditioned was the

Experiment performed with a natural air flow. It turned out, however, that this natural air flow is sufficient in the sterilization of virus surfaces and no air flow through an air duct must be generated. Two-well sampling was performed initially and repeatedly over a period of 40 minutes on a cell culture exposed to the sterilizer and on a control cell culture plate that was not exposed to UV radiation and ionized air. Duplicate samples were each removed and stored cool. 55 μl of all samples were then transferred to 96 well cell culture plates and applied in four base 10 serial dilutions (10 ° to IGT ⁷ ). These dilutions were mixed with abtrypsinierten Vero cells and incubated for 4 days in a cell culture incubator at 37 ⁰ C in the presence of 5% CO _2. The condition of the cells was checked daily with a microscope. After completion of the experiment after four days, it was found that the infectivity of the SARS virus was drastically reduced by the treatment with: the degermination device. After only one minute of treatment by this device, the infectivity of the SARS viruses could be reduced to a value below the detection limit. The samples collected after 20 minutes of degermination contained a substance that was toxic to the cell culture at the highest concentration (10 ° C). This effect also occurred at 30 and 40 minutes of sterilization. Compared to data in the literature (Duan et al., Stability of SARS Coronavirus in human specimens and environment and its sensitivity to heating and UV irradiation, SARS Research Team, Biomed Environs Sei. 2003 Sep, 16 (3): 246-55 ), after which the infectivity of SARS viruses is inactivated after 1 hour irradiation with UV light, the tested sterilization system proved by a deactivation after only 1 minute, a significant acceleration of the degermination process.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram for the arrangement of the device with three sections. Basically, the three sections form a degermination plant 301, which is integrated in the air duct of a ventilation system. According to its basic structure, the degermination plant 301 consists of a first section 303, a second section 305 and a third section 307.

The room air 302 entering the degerming plant 301 is fed to the first section 303, which is a UV unit for irradiating the passing room air with UV radiation. The room air 304 pretreated thereby is then fed to the second section 305 where excess ozone on the surface of the catalyst is degraded to molecular oxygen. The ozone generated in the first section therefore has no environmentally damaging effect. The room air 306 present at the outlet of the second section is then fed to the middle section 307, which has an ionization unit: for the ionization of the room air. The cleaned air: 308 leaves the degerming plant 301.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of three sections according to a second

Embodiment. Between the walls of the air duct 401 directly a UV tube 403, a catalyst 405 and an ionization tube 407 are connected. The incoming room air 402 flows around first one or more UV tubes 403. The thus pretreated room air 404 then flows through the catalyst 405. The further treated room air 406 flows around finally one or more ionization tubes 407 before the subsequent exiting room air 408 as purified and sterilized air in the air duct 401 can be continued.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of an air duct with the arrangement of three sections according to a third embodiment. Between the walls of the air duct 501 are directly a UV tube 503, a catalyst 506 with a filter 505 for microorganisms and an ionization tube 508 connected. The incoming room air 502 flows around first one or more UV tubes 503. The thus pretreated room air 504 then flows through the filter 505 and the catalyst 506. The filter 505 keeps the microorganisms still contained in the room air 504, wherein the continuous irradiation of the filter By the UV tubes an additional sterilizing effect is achieved. The subsequently treated room air 507 finally flows around one or more ionization tubes 508 before the subsequently exiting room air 509 can be continued as purified and sterilized air in the air duct 201.

6 shows a block diagram in which the degerming plant according to the invention is connected in an air conditioning system. The system shown consists of an air mixer 603, a sterilization system 605, a central unit of the air conditioner 607 and the room filled with room air 610. It is to be prevented that 607 microorganisms can multiply in the central unit of the air conditioner. For this purpose, the Entkeirnungsanlage 605 is connected upstream of the central unit of the air conditioner 607.

First, fresh air 601 supplied in the air mixer 603 is mixed with the exhaust air 602 of the room 610. The thus mixed air 604 is supplied to the degerming plant 605. The degerminator 605 consists of one of the above-described series connections of several sections according to the first, second or third embodiment. For example, the degerming plant 605 can consist of a first section with a UV unit, a second section with a catalyst and an upstream filter for ML microorganisms and a third section with an ionization unit consist. The air 608 brought to the desired temperature is then returned to the space 610. The temperature gradient generated by the central unit of the air conditioner 607 is transmitted to the air 609 and transported away.

For high volume flows, however, it has also proved useful to arrange the UV radiators and ionization tubes shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 not transversely but longitudinally relative to the air flow. 7 shows a perspective view of three successive sections 701, 702, 703 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment, which provides for an arrangement of the UV radiators and ionization tubes along the air flow. The three sections 701, 702, 703 are constructed as box-shaped slots, which can be inserted into a rectangular air duct. The first section comprises a multiplicity of honeycomb-shaped reaction channels 704 connected in parallel. In the reaction channels of the first section, a UV emitter is arranged longitudinally in each case. The first

Section joins the second section, which includes the catalyst 702. This can for example consist of activated carbon material as described above. In the embodiment shown, the catalyst consists of a thin-walled construction, which zigzag in the

Air duct is fitted. Before the catalyst 702, a filter for microorganisms may be connected. The third section 703 in turn comprises a plurality of honeycomb-shaped reaction channels connected in parallel, in each of which an ionization tube is arranged longitudinally.

For the sake of simplicity, the construction of the first section 701 with the UV lamps contained therein will be described below. The analog structure applies accordingly for the third section 703 with the ionization tubes contained therein.

In each reaction channel 704 of the first portion 701, a tubular UV emitter is arranged in each case. The reaction channels 704 connected in this way are surrounded by a metal housing. At the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening respectively contact rails 705 are provided, which serve as a cable channels for the electrical supply of the UV lamps and on the other hold the UV lamps mechanically in the reaction channels 704. For the electrical control of the UV lamps, corresponding ballasts 706 are provided laterally. Sliding rails 707 and 708 are provided on the undersides of the first section 701, so that the first section 701 in the air duct can be pushed in or out on corresponding rollers for maintenance purposes.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a

Cleaning system with three sections according to the fourth embodiment of Fig. 7. The polluted room air 801 passes through a feed pipe 802 first in a distribution chamber 803, in which the supplied air is evenly distributed. Adjoining the distributor chamber are a first section 804, a second section 805 and a third section 806, which correspond in structure to the three sections 701, 702 and 703 according to FIG. 7, so that the above description of FIG. 7 is referenced. The second section 805 is directly connected downstream of the first section 804 and the third section 806 is directly connected downstream of the second section 805. The third section 806 is followed by a further distribution chamber 807, before the thus cleaned and sterilized room air 808 via a discharge pipe 809 is forwarded. Preferably, in the course of the discharge tube 809 is a suction fan, which ensures the air transport of the room air, since in this way the suction fan is flowed through exclusively by the already cleaned and sterilized room air 808.

9 shows a perspective view of three successive sections 901, 902, 903 according to a fifth embodiment, which provides for an arrangement of the UV lamps along the air flow and an arrangement of the ionization tubes perpendicular to the air flow. The three sections 901, 902, 903 are constructed as box-shaped inserts, which can be inserted into a rectangular air duct. The first section comprises a multiplicity of honeycomb-shaped reaction channels 904 connected in parallel. In the reaction channels of the first section, a UV emitter is arranged longitudinally in each case. The first section is followed by the second section, which includes a catalyst 902. The catalyst may, for example, consist of activated carbon material as described above. In the embodiment shown, the catalyst is of a thin-walled construction which fits zigzag into the air duct. Such a construction can also be chosen for the combined catalyst and a previously connected filter for microorganisms. The third section 903 includes a plurality of ionization tubes arranged perpendicular to the flow direction.

The construction of the first section 901 with the UV lamps contained therein corresponds to that of the first section 701 of FIG. 7, so that reference is made to the corresponding description of FIG. 7. The ionisation tubes 909 of the third section 903 are mounted on so-called insertion devices 910 and are installed perpendicular to the flow direction. Each plug-in device comprises a certain number of ionization tubes. The total number of 909 ionizing tubes, as well as their size, is chosen depending on the premises and the specific air loads. The plug-in units 910 can in this case comprise an intensity controller, by means of which the tube voltage can be regulated as required. However, it is also possible to automatically control the intensity of the ionization tubes 909 by means of a gas sensor. For example, the control can be carried out using a gas sensor, as described in WO 2004/014442 Al or DE 102 36 196 Al. The compensation regulation described there ensures that adequate air purification can be carried out even under extreme and / or rapidly changing air loads.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a

Cleaning system with three sections according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9. The polluted room air 1001 passes through a feed tube 1002 first in a distribution chamber 1003, in which the supplied air is evenly distributed. Adjoining the distribution chamber are a first section 1004, a second section 1005 and a third section 1006, which correspond in structure to the three sections 901, 902 and 903 from FIG. 9, so that the description of FIG. »Is referred. The second section 1005 is directly connected downstream of the first section 1004 and the third section 1006 is directly connected downstream of the second section 1005. The third section 1006 is followed by a further distribution chamber 1007, before the purified and sterilized room air 1008 via an exhaust pipe 1009 is forwarded. Preferably, in the course of the discharge tube 1009, there is a suction fan which ensures the air transport of the room air, since in this way the suction fan flows exclusively through the already cleaned and sterilized room air 1008.

Fig. 11 shows a cleaning apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. It is a relatively compact compared to the fourth and fifth embodiment, not in a

Air conditioning must be integrated and therefore can be operated as a free-standing device. The

Applications include medical practices, rooms in hospitals such as a hospital room, kindergartens or meeting rooms. The device is operated with a conventional power connection, wherein in a portion of the housing shown in Fig. 11 transformers, Vorschaltεjeräte and any control device are housed- The cleaning device can be either depending on the application area as shown in Fig. 11 equipped with rollers or fixed Feet are standing.

Fig. 12 shows a cross section of a cleaning device according to the sixth embodiment. It is preferably designed for mobile use, for example for cleaning and sterilizing air in aircraft on the ground during maintenance, in ships or hospitals. The polluted room air 1201 passes through inlet openings at the bottom of the housing 1202 in the cleaning device. The contaminated atmosphere air 1201 first flows through a first section. The first section comprises a plurality of paralley-connected, honeycomb-shaped reaction channels 1203. In the reaction channels 1203 of the first section is longitudinally disposed a UV tube 1204. The walls 1205 of the reaction channels 1203 are preferably coated with a reflective material. The arrangement of the UV tubes 1204 in the flow direction allows operation of the cleaning device at high

Volume flows. The pretreated in this manner air 1206 now flows through the second section consisting of a catalyst 1207. The emerging from the second section of air 1208 then passes into the suction fan 1209, which provides for the air transport of air through the cleaning device. Finally, the air flows through a third section consisting of ionization tubes 121O. The ionization tubes are preferably arranged perpendicular to the flow direction in order to allow a low overall height of the cleaning device. The cleaned air 1211 exits through openings at the top of the housing 1202.

Fig. 13 shows a cross section of a cleaning device according to a seventh embodiment. It is like the sixth embodiment preferably designed for mobile use and can be accommodated in a corresponding housing, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. The contaminated room air 1301 passes through inlet openings on the underside of the housing 1302 in the cleaning device. The contaminated room air 1301 first flows through a first section. The first section comprises a plurality of parallel, honeycombed reaction channels 1303. In the reaction channels 1303 of the first section are each longitudinally disposed a UV tube 1304. The walls 1305 of the reaction channels 1303 are preferably coated with a reflective material. The arrangement of the UV tubes 1304 in the flow direction allowed an operation of the cleaning device at high flow rates.

The air pretreated in this way 1306 now flows through the second section consisting of a filter for microorganisms 1307 and a subsequent catalyst 1308. The exiting from the second section of air 1309 then passes into the suction fan 1310, which is responsible for the air transport of air through the cleaning device provides. Finally, the air flows through a third section consisting of ionization tubes 1311. The ionization tubes are preferably arranged perpendicular to the flow direction in order to allow a low overall height of the cleaning device. The cleaned air 1312 exits through openings at the top of the housing 1302.

A disadvantage of this embodiment is that the filter for microorganisms 1307 is only partially irradiated by the UV tubes 1304. The killing of

Microorganisms captured by the microorganism filter 1307 are therefore not as effective as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5. It is also disadvantageous that even large particles of dirt can penetrate to the microorganism filter 1307. If the contamination is too great, the filter for microorganisms 1307 must be replaced.

Fig. 14 shows a cross section of a cleaning device according to an eighth embodiment. The contaminated room air 1401 passes through inlet openings on the underside of the housing 1402 in the cleaning device. The polluted room air 1401 first flows through a dust filter 1403. On the one hand, coarse dirt particles, such as Dust grains intercepted, on the other remain in the. Dust filter 1403 also partially adhere to microorganisms. These microorganisms are rendered harmless by the continuous UV irradiation of the subsequent UV tubes 1404. The air which has passed through the dust filter 1403 now flows through the first section, which consists of the UV tubes 1404 and reflecting surfaces 1405. The UV tubes 1404 are preferably arranged perpendicular to the air flow direction to allow a small height of the cleaning device. At the same time, optimal irradiation of the dust filter 1403 is achieved in this arrangement, whereby an effective killing of intercepted microorganisms is possible. The reflective surfaces 1405 located between the UV tubes 1404 and on the sidewalls of the housing 1402 enhance the effect of UV radiation. The air pretreated in this way IL406 now flows through the second section consisting of a filter for microorganisms 1407 and a catalyst 1408. The purpose of the filter for microorganisms 1407, namely the killing of captured microorganisms by continuous UV irradiation, by the arrangement of the UV Tubes 1404 optimized. The air 1409 exiting the second section then passes into the suction fan 1410, which provides for the air transport of the air through the Reinigungsger≡Lt. Finally, the air flows through a third section consisting of ionization tubes 1411. The ionization tubes are preferably arranged perpendicular to the flow direction in order to allow a low overall height of the cleaning device. The cleaned Lufft 1412 exits through openings at the top of the housing 1402.

In order to allow higher volume flows and at the same time an optimal effect of dust and Partikelfilterr - 9 έL Qz> -

ensure a device according to a ninth embodiment of FIG. 15 can be used.

The polluted room air 1501 passes through inlet openings at the bottom of the housing 1502 in the cleaning device. First, the polluted room air 1501 flows through a dust filter 1503. The microorganisms collected thereby are rendered harmless by the continuous UV irradiation of the subsequent UV tubes 1504. The UV tubes 1504 are arranged perpendicular to the air flow direction, so that an optimal irradiation of the dust filter 1503 is achieved, whereby an effective killing of intercepted microorganisms is possible. The air which has passed through the dust filter 1503 now flows through the first section, which consists of UV tubes 1504 and the advantageously reflecting surfaces 1505. The advantageously reflective surfaces 1505 located between the UV tubes 1504 and the sidewalls of the housing 1502 enhance the effect of UV radiation. The air then flows through an area comprising a plurality of parallel honeycomb reaction channels 1506 arranged in parallel. In the reaction channels 1506 are each longitudinally disposed a UV tube 1507. The walls 1508 of the reaction channels 1506 are preferably coated with a reflective material. The arrangement of these UV tubes 1507 in the flow direction allows the operation of the degerminator at high flow rates. Subsequently, the air again flows through a region with UV tubes 1509 and with advantageously reflective surfaces 1510, which are arranged perpendicular to the air flow. In addition to the primary effect of UV radiation to kill microorganisms in the air, this arrangement is an optimal irradiation of the subsequent filter for Microorganisms 1511 ensured. The pretreated in this way air now flows through the second section consisting of a filter for microorganisms 1511 and a subsequent catalyst 1512. The emerging from the second section of air 1513 then passes into the suction fan 1514, which provides for the air transport of air through the degermination , Finally, the air flows through a third section consisting of ionization tubes 1515. The ionization tubes 1515 are preferably arranged perpendicular to the flow direction in order to reduce the height of the cleaning device. The cleaned air 1516 exits through openings at the top of the housing 1502.

Claims

claims

1. Method for sterilizing air conducted in an air duct, room air,

wherein the room air is supplied in the air duct of a UV unit for irradiation with UV radiation and

wherein the pre-cleaned room air in this form is fed to a downstream in the air duct ionization unit, in which an ionization of the room air takes place.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the room air is supplied to a downstream in the air duct of the ionization catalyst for the degradation of the ozone produced by the UV unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the room air is fed to a downstream in the air duct of the UV unit and upstream of the ionization catalyst for reducing the ozone produced by the UV unit.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the room air is supplied to a downstream in the air duct of the UV unit and upstream of the catalyst filter for microorganisms.

5. Use of a device for reducing gaseous hydrocarbon emissions for sterilization of air in an air duct guided indoor air, wherein a UV unit for irradiating the room air with UV radiation is provided in a first section of the air duct,

wherein in a subsequent second section, a catalyst for reducing the ozone produced by the UV unit is provided, and

wherein in an adjoining third section an ionization unit is provided for the ionization of the room air.

6. Use according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the air duct has reflective surfaces in the region of the UV radiation.

7. Use according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the first portion of the air duct in the region of UV radiation has a coating with a broadband semiconductor material.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor material consists of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) or doped titanium dioxide.

9. Use according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the at least one UV emitter consists of a cylindrically shaped UV lamp.

10. Use according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the catalyst is formed by catalytic activated carbon.

11. Use according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the catalyst is one of activated carbon, pumice, Zeolites odex clay formed carrier material and consists of an additive of catalytic metal oxides.

12. Use according to claim 11, wherein the catalyst with an additive consisting of oxides of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni,

Zn, Si, Ti, or Zr is provided.

13. Use according to claim 11, wherein the catalyst is provided with an addition of catalytic metal oxides in a mixture with Pt, Pd or Rh.

14. Use according to any one of claims 5-13, wherein the catalyst has a thin-walled construction with low flow resistance.

15. Use according to any one of claims 5-14, wherein the Ionisationsej_nheit consists of at least one ionization tube.

16. Use according to one of claims 5 - 15, wherein over the air duct a room is supplied with room air.

17. Use according to claim 16, characterized in that, with reference to the room air filling the room, a multiple circulation of the room air takes place per hour.

18. Use according to any one of claims 5-17, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of SARS viruses, contaminated room air occurs.

19. Use according to any one of claims 5-18, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular with chicken pox viruses, contaminated room air takes place.

20. Use according to any one of claims 5-19, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of Ebola viruses, contaminated room air occurs.

21. Use according to any one of claims 5 - 20, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of influenza viruses, contaminated room air occurs.

22. Device for sterilizing air conducted in an air duct, room air,

with a UV unit ~ ur irradiation of the room air with UV radiation in a first section of the air duct,

with a catalyst for decomposing the ozone produced by the UV unit in a subsequent second section and

with an ionization unit for the ionization of the room air in a subsequent third section,

characterized,

in that a filter for microorganisms is provided between the first section and the second section.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first

Section of the air duct in the area of UV radiation reflective surfaces comprises.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first portion of the air duct in the UV range Radiation has a coating with a broadbanciigen semiconductor material.

25. Device according to claim 24, wherein the semiconductor material consists of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) or doped titanium dioxide.

26. Device according to one of claims 22 - 25, wherein the at least one UV emitter consists of a cylindrically shaped UV lamp.

27. Device according to one of claims 22 - 26, wherein the catalyst is formed by catalytic activated carbon.

28. Device according to one of claims 22-26, wherein the catalyst consists of a support material formed from activated carbon, pumice stone, zeolites or clay and from an addition of catalytic metal oxides.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the catalyst is provided with an additive consisting of oxides of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Si, Ti, or Zr.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the catalyst is provided with an additive consisting of catalytic metal oxides in a mixture with Pt, Pd or Rh.

31. The device according to any one of claims 22 - 30, wherein the catalyst has a thin-walled construction with low flow resistance.

32. Device according to one of claims 22 - 31, wherein the ionization unit consists of at least one ionization tube.

33. Device according to one of claims 22 - 32, wherein over the air duct a room is supplied with room air.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, characterized in that takes place with respect to the room air filling the room a multiple circulation of the room air per hour.

35. Device according to one of claims 22 - 34, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of SARS viruses, contaminated room air takes place.

36. Device according to one of claims 22 - 35, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of chicken influenza viruses, contaminated room air takes place.

37. Device according to one of claims 22-36, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of Ebola viruses, contaminated room air takes place.

38. Device according to one of claims 22 - 37, wherein a sterilization of enveloped viruses, in particular of influenza viruses, contaminated room air takes place.