EP3319644A1

EP3319644A1 - Decontamination device

Info

Publication number: EP3319644A1
Application number: EP16738488.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ronald Conrad MITTER
Original assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Current assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date: 2015-07-06
Filing date: 2016-07-06
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Also published as: WO2017006077A1; GB201511765D0; GB2541788B; GB2541788A; GB201611538D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable decontamination device and a method of use, for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, such as a suspected biological or chemical sample.

Description

DECONTAMINATION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a portable decontamination device and a method of use, for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, such as a suspected biological or chemical sample. The automated means for decontaminating a sample, isolated from the surrounding environment by the decontamination device, provides for safe and simplified operation by emergency responders.

The need to isolate and decontaminate samples found in the environment covers a wide range of scenarios. For example, the discovery of a suspect package in a public setting, such as an airport, train station or a city centre, may arise as a result of an unintentional accident due to mislaid baggage or, at the more extreme end of the spectrum and with potentially serious consequences, due to malicious intent by a terrorism group or disaffected individual. Similarly, items sent via postal delivery may arouse suspicion and require further investigation to ensure no threat (e.g. bioterrorism) to the general population or intended mail recipient. Alternatively, small- scale containers holding industrial compounds may be damaged during transit and require safe containment before a clean-up operation can be undertaken. For such circumstances, the main concern is the exposure of humans, other wildlife and the environment to an agents or agents, such as biological, chemical and radiological agent(s), that may pose a risk to health.

The responsibility for dealing with incidents involving the discovery of dangerous, or potentially dangerous, items may ultimately lie with highly-trained emergency personnel deployed to the scenario in question, supported by the use of individual protective equipment and expensive, specialised apparatus to complete any necessary clean-up process in a safe and secure manner. However, such personnel are unlikely to be present upon the initial discovery of a questionable sample or package. Instead, first responders to an incident, such as local staff workers or non- specialist security staff, are likely to be required to secure the area in question and raise the alarm to request appropriate backup. Such individuals ma have undergone very little, if any, training in hazard management, having neither access to, or the understanding of, the equipment required for potentially performing dangerous and complex decontamination methodologies.

A number of products exist for the purpose of mitigating the risk posed by suspect samples. For example, US6595247 B1 discloses, a kit for isolating a suspect object. However, this device comprises a number of complex parts, requires assembly prior to use and necessitates handler intervention to undertake certain isolation procedures. US2004/0047776 A1 discloses a mobile air decontamination device that can be deployed in bioterrorism-related incidents. However, this device focuses on air filtration and decontamination, rather than providing a simple and easily-portable device for isolating and decontaminating a physical sample on a surface. US2006/0119232 A1 discloses an enclosure device for handling hazardous material. Physical displacement of a sample may be required to manoeuvre a sample to within the sealable housing, thus risking tampering with potential evidence and causing environmental release of any agent.

Thus there is a need to develop a low-cost, easy-to-operate, portable device that can be used by a person, ideally in an automated manner, to provide for safe isolation and decontamination of a sample. The present invention seeks to address these problems.

Accordingly, in the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, the portable device comprising: a housing incorporating an opening, such that the housing is capable of enclosing the sample upon placement of the housing over the sample on the surface, and an air outlet and an air inlet; an automated means for decontaminating the sample and/or air enclosed by the housing; and a means for providing for recirculation of air within the device via the air outlet and air inlet. The term 'portable' for the purpose of the present invention is used in particular to mean 'man-portable' i.e. a device which, on account of its dimensions, weight and configuration, can be manually transported by a small number of people, ideally by one person, typically without the additional help of a transport system such as a trolley.

The term 'sample' for the purpose of the present invention includes a sample comprising agent(s) of a chemical, biological and/or radiological nature. For example, a chemical agent includes one or more chemical(s) in a solid, liquid or gaseous phase, wherein said chemical agent(s) includes chemical warfare agent(s) and/or associated simulant(s). Biological agent(s) includes biological entities, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as products capable of being generated by such entities, for example proteins such as toxins, wherein the biological entity is present on a solid medium, in a liquid medium or present in a lyophilised or aerosolisable form. Biological agents can include biological warfare agents such as Yersinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis, and Francisella tularensis. Bacteria and fungi include cells in either a vegetative- or more environmentally hardy spore-state. Radiological agent(s) include those agents capable of emitting, and thus contaminating, the surrounding environment with radioactive material.

The term 'surface' for the purpose of the present invention includes any surface, preferably solid and/or static, and more preferably a surface which is substantially uniform. Furthermore, the surface is preferably horizontal or substantially horizontal such that the device can remain in position when isolating a sample on the surface, and not slide or topple over, such that the sample is disturbed or re-exposed to the surrounding environment. The terms 'air outlet' and 'air inlet' for the purpose of the present invention is understood to include at least one air outlet and at least one air inlet, and could therefore incorporate multiple air outlets and/or air inlets.

The term 'automated means' for the purpose of the present invention includes means that can be initiated, by a person, upon isolation of the sample by the device, for example by simply triggering a power source to the device, such that the automated means provides stand-off decontamination to the sample and/or air enclosed within the housing, without any further involvement from the person. A suitable power source includes a mains-supplied electrical current, or use of batteries, for example at least one 12 volt battery. The Applicant has found that the portable device of the present invention offers a number of advantages.

Firstly, the housing of the portable device incorporates an opening which permits the housing to be positioned over the sample on a surface, such that the housing encloses the sample when on the surface, thus providing a simple means for isolating the sample. This feature ensures that no unnecessary disturbance or handling of, or tampering with, the sample is required, therefore mitigating against any potential, or further, release of an agent or agents associated with the sample, or any undesired contamination of possible forensic evidence.

Secondly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the portable device is lightweight and can be provided in a pre-assembled form. Thus, a person can very quickly and easily deploy the chamber to isolate the sample, following its discovery, and initiate automated decontamination whilst specialist personnel are alerted to the situation.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the housing provides a means of sealing, about the opening, such that upon placement of the housing on the surface, the seal provided acts to contain substantially all of the air within the device. Preferably, the seal is capable of providing an airtight seal that captures all of the air within the device. The seal provided, following placement of the housing upon a surface, can be further improved by the use of products known to the skilled person, such as expanding foam, silicon sealant or tape, such that deposition of such products around the seal/surface interface provides a more airtight seal. This embodiment provides a portable device capable of operating as a closed system for the decontamination of a sample and captured air volume. Thus, the captured air is re-circulated within the device during operation, with very little leakage to the external environment. Preferably, there is no leakage of air captured within the device, until for example the chamber is removed from the surface, following operation, in order to provide access to the decontaminated sample.

The concept of the present invention is different to alternative decontamination systems which permit the isolation of an agent under conditions wherein 'clean' air enters via an air inlet, and 'dirty' air, having come into contact with an agent, passes through a filter, such as a HEPA filter, prior to being expelled as decontaminated air via an air outlet. However, systems that provide for decontaminated air to be reintroduced into the environment are not appropriate for certain agents or gases, for example carbon monoxide, which can potentially overcome known filter systems and pose a threat to individuals if released from containment into the surrounding environment.

Therefore, the closed system of the present invention provides the advantage of the safe isolation of a greater range of potentially dangerous samples, including those samples releasing ('off-gassing') toxic products capable of defeating air filter systems. This approach reduces the need for personal protective equipment, such as contained breathing apparatus, being worn by a person during operation of the present invention. In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the means of sealing is provided by an inflatable tube about the opening. Suitable inflatable tubes include those made of rubber material, for example motorbike and bicycle tyre inner tubes. This feature provides the advantage of a seal which can be adapted to the surface terrain on which a sample is presented: For example, increasing the pressure of the inflatable tube provides a seal surface which is suitable to substantially smooth surfaces e.g. airport floors. As there are typically very little ridges or imperfections in such surfaces, the inflatable tube is capable of providing an airtight, or substantially airtight, seal. However, the pressure in the inflatable tube can be decreased for surfaces with a greater proportion of ridges or imperfections, such as gravel or those with grooved coating. The decreased pressure within the inflatable tyre offers a seal that can better adapt to the texture of an imperfect surface, thus increasing the inflatable tube's ability to provide an airtight, or substantially airtight, seal. Altering the inflatable tube's pressure can be achieved using commonly known apparatus or techniques e.g. use of an air pump. Additionally, as stated previously, the seal can be further improved by the use of products known to the skilled person, such as expanding foam, silicon sealant and tape, such that deposition of such products around the seal/surface interface provides a more airtight seal if required.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the automated means for decontaminating the sample comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light source. Such an ultraviolet light source includes those capable of emitting ultraviolet in the 200-280 nm spectrum (UVC), the 280-513 nm spectrum (UVB) and the 315-400 nm spegtrum (UVA). This feature provides the advantage of a means for decontaminating a sample, in particular a sample containing biological agent(s) such as bacteria and viruses, due the damage caused by UV light to genetic material incorporated within such agents. A suitable power source for the UV light source includes a mains-supplied electrical current, or use of batteries, for example at least one 12 volt battery coupled to an electrical inverter.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the automated means for decontaminating air comprises at least one filter. Filters, for example High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, offer the advantage of removing airborne contaminants/ including particulate matter such as a biological agent or agents, which may be released or aerosolised from the sample on a surface. Furthermore, filters offer the advantages of high efficiency, in terms of capturing particles over a defined size (typically to the micron level), with capture levels usually stated to be greater than at least 97%, and more specifically greater than 99%, for aerosolised particular material above a specified size. In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the at least one filter comprises activated carbon. This feature provides the advantage of a more effective and absorbent filter capable of capturing chemical fumes/gases. Thus, a risk associated with an off-gassing chemical sample, isolated by the device, could be mitigated by the presence of filters containing activated charcoal capable of capturing the aerosolised hazard until, for example, the off- gassing by the sample is exhausted.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the air outlet and/or air inlet comprise a filter. This feature provides the advantage of focusing air decontamination at the approximate point of air exit from/entry to the housing, during air re-circulation, wherein the flow of air may act to concentrate the capture of any airborne contaminants.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the air outlet and/or air inlet is enabled by a pipe that extends into the housing portion. The feature provides the advantage of ensuring more effective re-circulation of air within the housing, and thus the effectiveness of the device in mitigating the risk posed by chemical off-gassing from, or particulate release by, an isolated sample on a surface.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the means for providing for re-circulation of air comprises a fan. This feature provides the advantage of a simple, low-power means of directing an air flow within the device, ensuring automated decontamination of air re-circulated via at least one air filter. A suitable power source for the fan includes a mains-supplied electrical current, or use of batteries, for example at least one 12 volt battery. Preferably, the housing may include a void space, which provides a separate enclosed area in which air, drawn through each filter/air inlet, can pass prior to being drawn through the fan during air-re-circulation. This feature is particularly advantageous when more than one air outlet is provided to draw air from the housing, as air from each outlet is directed into the same void space, this provides a more even flow of air from the housing air during air re-circulation.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, wherein the means for providing for re-circulation of air comprises a manifold. This feature provides the advantage of an enclosed channel through which air can be directed during re-circulation within the device, to assist in maintaining airflow in a particular direction in line with as required by the means for decontaminating the air enclosed within the housing. In a further embodiment, the manifold connects the air outlet and air inlet. For example, the manifold may comprise a single enclosed channel that provides a connection between the air outlet .and air inlet. Alternatively, the manifold may branch from the air outlet into at least two separate enclosed channels, reconvening upon connecting to the air inlet.

In a further embodiment, the manifold is situated outside the housing. This feature provides the advantage of increasing the space within the housing, whilst facilitating air re-circulation via the air outlet and air inlet, thus maximising the size of sample that can be isolated within the housing and decontaminated by the device.

In yet a further embodiment, the device comprises a means for introducing a decontaminant into the device. This feature provides the advantage of supplying additional decontaminants into the device, for example when if there is a suspicion that the sample undergoing isolation is heavily contaminated with an agent or agents of concern. The means for introducing a decontaminant may comprise at least one sample port, the arrangement of which would be understood by the skilled person to enable the introduction of a decontaminant into the device without compromising the level of containment provided. Additional decontaminants suitable for introduction into the device include gaseous fumigant* such as formaldehyde, which can assist in decontaminating the re-circulated air. Alternatively, the decontaminant may be a liquid decontaminant, for example sodium hypochlorite, which is aerosolised in a small droplet form upon introduction into the device and can provide beneficial disinfection properties. The means for introducing a decontaminant into the device, for example a sample port, may serve the dual purpose of enabling the removal of air from the device for air pressure and contamination monitoring. To support this function, a sample port may further comprise an isolating value as understood by the skilled person. The positioning of a sample port could provide for controlled sampling of air contained within the housing, void space and/or manifold.

In a further embodiment, the means for introducing a decontaminant into the device comprises an injector. This feature provides the advantage of an easily operated means, requiring little in the way of training, for introducing additional decontaminant into the device.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the isolation and automated decontamination of a suspect sample on a surface comprising the steps of: isolating the sample using the device of the first ajspect; and initiating the automated means for decontaminating the sample and/or air enclosed by the housing. In addition, the means for introducing a decontaminant into the device can be utilised if there is a suspicion that the sample undergoing isolation is heavily contaminated, for example with a chemical or biological agent or agents.

The present invention will now be described, with reference to the following non- limiting examples and figure in which Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a sectional side view of an embodiment of a decontamination device in accordance with the present invention. The dashed arrows in Figures 2 depict the direction of air re-circulation within the device during operation. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a portable device 10 for use in the safe isolation and decontamination of a sample 12 present on a surface 14. The portable device 10 includes a housing 16 which has an opening 18 at one end, such that the housing 16 can be placed over, and enclose, the sample 12 positioned on the surface 14. Each wall 20 of the housing 16 provides a wall edge 22, which aligns with the surface 14 when the housing is positioned such that the housing encloses the sample 12. The housing provides for a rubber seal 24 to be located around the opening 18, such that placement of the housing over the sample 12 enables the rubber seal 24 to contact the surface 14 and provide a seal. The device includes an ultraviolet light source 26, present within the housing, which provides an automated decontaminating means for the sample. An automated means for decontaminating the air contained within the housing is provided by the re-circulation of air within the device by a fan 28, wherein air is drawn through an air outlet 30 comprising an air filter 32, through the fan inlet 34 and fan outlet 36, and re- introduced back into the housing via a manifold 38 and an air inlet 40, connected to the manifold via connection port 42.

Various modifications to the decontamination device can be made as will be , apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the device can measure 700 mm x 370 mm x 300 mm, these dimensions can be varied accordingly to ensure different sample sizes can be isolated and decontaminated. Depending on the size of the decontamination device and the level of air recirculation, air filters of different air flow capacity can be employed. For example, although an air filter flow rate of 125 litres/min may be appropriate, filters of a different air capacity can be adopted as required. In addition, a sealed void space 44 can be provided to facilitate airflow between multiple air outlets 30 and fan 28, via the fan inlet 34. The number of air outlets, air inlets and ultraviolet light sources can be varied and orientated according to a particular desired arrangement. Furthermore, the manifold 38 can be replaced by an alternative arrangement, such as a pipe or tubing, to enable air, drawn by a fan 28, to pass from the air outlet(s) 30 to the air inlet(s) 40 and re-circulated back into the housing. The material of the device, including the housing and the rubber seal, can be varied as would be understood by a person skilled in the art to provide a durable device suitable for the safe containment of potentially hazardous agents. An alternative pumping system to a fan could be provided to facilitate air re-circulation within the device. As described above, a means for introducing (additional) decontaminant into the device e.g. a sample port, can be provided as understood by a person skilled in the art, and located in different, or a variety of, locations e.g. manifold 38, connection port 42, air inlet 40. Furthermore, the power source could be provided in a suitable arrangement, as understood by the skilled person, to ensure delivery of electric current as desired to enable the automated means for decontaminating the sample, and providing for re-circulation of air within the device.

In an alternative arrangement, at least one, but preferably two, port(s) could be fitted to the housing, each port fitted with a gauntlet, such as a nitrile rubber gauntlet, to enable a user to physically manipulate a sample enclosed within the housing, while ensuring the portable device continues to provide a closed system.

To assist the portable device in providing an airtight seal, for example when a sample was identified on a particularly rough terrain, and to enable possible transportation of the housing and enclosed sample to a more suitable environment for decontamination and/or sampling, a tray could be provided comprising a substantially flat surface portion around which is positioned a raised edge region. After carefully placing the sample on the substantially flat surface of the tray, the housing could be placed over the sample on the tray surface such that the housing encloses the sample and provides an airtight seal. The dimensions of the tray could complement the housing such that the raised edge of the tray communicates with the outer surface of the housing wall region forming the housing opening, with this arrangement assisting in the formation of an airtight seal between the housing and the tray surface.

Claims

1. A portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface, the portable device comprising: a housing incorporating an opening, such that the housing is capable of enclosing the sample upon placement of the housing over the sample on the surface, and an air outlet and an air inlet; an automated means for decontaminating the sample and/or air enclosed by the housing; and a means for providing for re-circulation of air within the device via the air outlet and air inlet.

2. A portable device according to Claim 1 wherein the housing provides a means of sealing, about the opening, such that upon placement of the housing on the surface, the seal provided acts to contain substantially all of the air within the device.

3. A portable device according to Claim 2 wherein the means of sealing is an inflatable tube about the opening.

4. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the automated means for decontaminating the sample comprises an ultraviolet light source.

5. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the automated means for decontaminating air comprises at least one filter.

6. A portable device according to Claim 5 wherein the at least one filter comprises activated carbon.

7. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the air outlet and/or air inlet comprise a filter.

8. A portable device according to Claim 7 wherein the air outlet and/or air inlet is enabled by a pipe that extends into the housing portion.

9. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the means for providing for re-circulation of air comprises a fan.

10. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the means for providing for re-circulation of air comprises a manifold.

11. A portable device according to Claim 10 wherein the manifold connects the air outlet and air inlet.

12. A portable device according to Claims 10-11 wherein the manifold is situated outside the housing.

13. A portable device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a means for introducing a decontaminant into the device.

14. A portable device according to Claim 13 wherein the means for introducing a decontaminant into the device comprises an injector.

15. A method for the isolation and automated decontamination of a suspect sample on a surface comprising the steps of: isolating the sample using a portable device according to Claims 1-14; and initiating the automated means for decontaminating the sample and/or air enclosed by the housing.