EP3319644A1 - Decontamination device - Google Patents
Decontamination deviceInfo
- Publication number
- EP3319644A1 EP3319644A1 EP16738488.2A EP16738488A EP3319644A1 EP 3319644 A1 EP3319644 A1 EP 3319644A1 EP 16738488 A EP16738488 A EP 16738488A EP 3319644 A1 EP3319644 A1 EP 3319644A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- air
- sample
- portable device
- housing
- decontaminating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000005202 decontamination Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 230000003588 decontaminative effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 18
- 239000003124 biologic agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000010943 off-gassing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000013043 chemical agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 3
- SAPGTCDSBGMXCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2-chlorophenyl)-(4-fluorophenyl)-pyrimidin-5-ylmethanol Chemical compound C=1N=CN=CC=1C(C=1C(=CC=CC=1)Cl)(O)C1=CC=C(F)C=C1 SAPGTCDSBGMXCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 2
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000193738 Bacillus anthracis Species 0.000 description 1
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000589602 Francisella tularensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000459 Nitrile rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005708 Sodium hypochlorite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940065181 bacillus anthracis Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 biological Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002575 chemical warfare agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940118764 francisella tularensis Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002316 fumigant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000013056 hazardous product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-NJFSPNSNSA-N methanone Chemical compound O=[14CH2] WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-NJFSPNSNSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012857 radioactive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium hypochlorite Chemical compound [Na+].Cl[O-] SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007790 solid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003053 toxin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000765 toxin Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 108700012359 toxins Proteins 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
- A61L2/0011—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using physical methods
- A61L2/0029—Radiation
- A61L2/0047—Ultraviolet radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/022—Filtration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/01—Deodorant compositions
- A61L9/014—Deodorant compositions containing sorbent material, e.g. activated carbon
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
- A61L9/02—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
- A61L9/03—Apparatus therefor
- A61L9/032—Apparatus therefor comprising a fan
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
- A61L2202/122—Chambers for sterilisation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/16—Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
Definitions
- 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.
- US6595247 B1 discloses, a kit for isolating a suspect object.
- 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.
- a portable device for isolating and decontaminating a sample on a surface 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.
- sample' for the purpose of the present invention includes a sample comprising agent(s) of a chemical, biological and/or radiological nature.
- 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 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.
- the portable device is lightweight and can be provided in a pre-assembled form.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the captured air is re-circulated within the device during operation, with very little leakage to the external environment.
- 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.
- a filter such as a HEPA filter
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- UVC 200-280 nm spectrum
- UVB 280-513 nm spectrum
- UVA 315-400 nm spegtrum
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- filters containing activated charcoal capable of capturing the aerosolised hazard until, for example, the off- gassing by the sample is exhausted.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the manifold connects the air outlet and air inlet.
- the manifold may comprise a single enclosed channel that provides a connection between the air outlet .and air inlet.
- the manifold may branch from the air outlet into at least two separate enclosed channels, reconvening upon connecting to the air inlet.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the means for introducing a decontaminant into the device comprises an injector.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the decontamination 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a gauntlet such as a nitrile rubber gauntlet
- a tray could be provided comprising a substantially flat surface portion around which is positioned a raised edge region.
- 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.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1511765.8A GB201511765D0 (en) | 2015-07-06 | 2015-07-06 | Decontamination device |
PCT/GB2016/000136 WO2017006077A1 (en) | 2015-07-06 | 2016-07-06 | Decontamination device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3319644A1 true EP3319644A1 (en) | 2018-05-16 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16738488.2A Withdrawn EP3319644A1 (en) | 2015-07-06 | 2016-07-06 | Decontamination device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3319644A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB201511765D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017006077A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2019182587A1 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Degradable diversion material having a polyacrylate compound |
US11572497B2 (en) | 2018-05-14 | 2023-02-07 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pelletized diverting agents using degradable polymers |
US11466200B2 (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2022-10-11 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Multi-functional diverter particulates |
CN111249504B (en) * | 2020-03-19 | 2023-11-10 | 常州龙之辉照明科技有限公司 | Epidemic prevention disinfection device and application method thereof |
ES2894199A1 (en) * | 2020-08-04 | 2022-02-11 | Seat Sa | Center console with disinfection capacity (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6458331B1 (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 2002-10-01 | Jon L. Roberts | Computer input device sterilization method and apparatus |
AU2002368210A1 (en) * | 2001-12-07 | 2004-05-04 | David E. Hedman | Portable decontamination unit useful in destroying harmful biological agents in contaminated objects |
US7077486B2 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2006-07-18 | Tattershall Stephen F | Enclosure for handling hazardous material |
JP2009050582A (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2009-03-12 | Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd | Pollutant degrading unit |
JP2010119777A (en) * | 2008-11-21 | 2010-06-03 | Hoshino Ing Corp | Sterilizer of key input device |
GB2468657A (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-22 | A1 Envirosciences Ltd | Laboratory Containment Apparatus |
US9968807B2 (en) * | 2013-01-02 | 2018-05-15 | Robert Squicciarini | Sealed and ventilated receptacle |
CN204431285U (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2015-07-01 | 山东博科生物产业有限公司 | A kind of portable biometric safety hand casing |
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2015
- 2015-07-06 GB GBGB1511765.8A patent/GB201511765D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2016
- 2016-07-01 GB GB1611538.8A patent/GB2541788B/en active Active
- 2016-07-06 WO PCT/GB2016/000136 patent/WO2017006077A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-07-06 EP EP16738488.2A patent/EP3319644A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2017006077A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
GB201511765D0 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
GB2541788B (en) | 2019-02-06 |
GB2541788A (en) | 2017-03-01 |
GB201611538D0 (en) | 2016-08-17 |
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