EP3350380B1 - Method of desinfecting a drain trap - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of operating a self-disinfecting odor trap assembly for installation in a sewer.

An odor trap is usually a piece of pipe, which holds by its shape a certain amount of the influent liquid as an odor barrier in the pipe system. All inflowing germs find in this barrier fluid ideal development conditions and multiply explosively. The contamination of the barrier liquid increases steadily. In addition, a highly contaminated biofilm of all existing germs develops on the walls of the tube inside and outside the barrier fluid. The air column above the barrier fluid inside the odor trap is also heavily contaminated by the biofilm. The inflow of liquids into such a contaminated odor trap leads to the following problems. On the one hand, an amount of contaminated air equivalent to the volume of the penetrating liquid quantity is thrown out of the odor trap back into the room at high speed. This leads to a direct recontamination of the room air and the surfaces coming into contact with the contaminated air. Furthermore, when the inflowing liquid impinges on the surface of the highly contaminated barrier liquid, a highly contaminated aerosol is produced, which conveys the stagnant air in the odor trap into the adjacent space.

For the disinfection of odor traps, it is known to use the germicidal properties of ultraviolet radiation. Such solutions are inter alia in the DE 42 06 901 A1 , in the DE 40 25 078 A1 and in the DE 295 09 210 U1 shown. The problem here is that disinfection takes place only where the ultraviolet radiation impinges. The system is too sluggish and disinfects only the directly illuminated areas. Dirtiness significantly limits the effectiveness.

The DE 27 47 992 A1 and the US 3,175,567 show a cleaning and disinfection of siphons using ultrasound. According to the US 6,666,966 B1 In addition, a non-stick layer is provided in the siphon.

A disinfection can also be done by spraying a disinfectant by means of nozzles. Such solutions are inter alia in the DE 92 14 542 U1 and in the EP 1 295 585 B1 shown. In this way, the barrier liquid is disinfected. However, only the directly sprayed areas of the odor trap are disinfected, since the sprayed disinfectant does not reach all areas of the odor trap. For disinfection, a large amount of concentrated disinfectant is needed, which is both expensive and environmentally disadvantageous.

Furthermore, there are solutions that make a thermal disinfection of the odor trap. Such solutions are inter alia in the EP 1 159 493 A1 , in the DE 42 06 901 A1 and in the US 4,192,988 shown. Thus, it is known, for example, to automatically start a heating process with each run-in of liquids. Disadvantageous This solution is the high power consumption and the great technical effort to prevent calcifications of the system. In addition there are time ranges, which last from the inflow of new fluids to the reaching of the killing temperatures, in which contaminated aerosol can form. The maintenance is relatively high.

By installing a splash guard with targeted guidance of the liquid flowing into the odor trap, a formation of contaminated aerosol can be suppressed. Since no disinfection takes place with this system, there is a risk of microbial contamination, which requires frequent replacement of soiled system components.

The EP 0 514 636 A2 describes a method for the vapor deposition of rooms or thermal disinfection of surfaces, in particular of closed flow-through spaces. The method utilizes a heated, mist-like medium, which is passed as a flow through the rooms to be disinfected. A heated stream of air or gas is generated in which either steam or an aerosol of water and a disinfectant is introduced. The nebulous medium is applied with a slight overpressure on the surfaces to be disinfected. To carry out the method described is a device which comprises a connected to a supply line housing. The housing communicates with a fan. Within the housing, a heater for heating forced air is arranged. A spraying device for producing fine liquid droplets opens into the housing in the region of the heating device.

The AT 391 934 B shows a degermination device for air ducts, pipes u. Ä. A disinfectant is atomized by an ultrasonic nebulizer in the smallest aerosols up to 0.3 microns and guided by a blower to the sites to be sterilized. The finely atomized disinfectant sweeps the surfaces to be sterilized and condenses, as the surface temperature of the channels is below the dew point of the air-sterilization mixture. For this purpose, the air sucked in by the fan is heated by an air heater to about 35 ° C. The sewer sections to be sterilized can be shut off with shut-off devices. Via a pressure relief valve, the air-sterilization mixture is fed through flexible lines or hoses via a connection to the degerminator and further enriched with the disinfectant in the ultrasonic nebulizer and kept in circulation until the required concentration is reached in the channel.

From the WO 00/53857 A1 a self-disinfecting odor trap is known. The arrangement described therein comprises a conventional odor trap with a closure liquid contained therein, a public address and vibration system of any frequency and a system for heating the interior of the odor trap. The interaction of both systems is controlled by an appropriate regulation so that during use a cleaning and disinfection of the odor trap can be ensured. However, this solution is relatively expensive; both in the realization, as well as in the later operation.

The WO 92/16243 A1 shows a method for disinfecting pipe systems sanitary systems, in which a heated fog-shaped flowable medium is generated and passed through the pipe system.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a self-disinfecting odor trap arrangement, which enables automatic and permanent disinfection during operation, whereby a comparatively small quantity of disinfectant is required for disinfection. The odor trap should be simple in design, as low as possible to cause operating costs and be easy to maintain.

To achieve the object of the invention, a method according to the appended claim 1 is used.

A self-disinfecting odor trap assembly to be operated according to the invention is intended for installation in a sewer pipe. The sewer line is used to remove non-permanently flowing wastewater from a room to the outside of the room. The odor trap prevents odors from entering the room; even in those periods in which no wastewater flows. The room is preferably a room to which increased hygienic requirements are placed, for example a room in a hospital, such as an operating room.

The odor trap assembly initially comprises an odor trap with a first tube section formed as a downpipe. The property of the first pipe section as a downpipe is given by the fact that the first pipe section is arranged vertically or at least predominantly vertically, so that the inflowing waste water can fall down within the first pipe section and flow down due to its weight. The first pipe section has on the input side a spout connection Inflow of sewage up. The spout port forms the entrance for the waste water to flow into the odor trap assembly. The odor trap further comprises a subsequent to the first pipe section in the flow direction of the waste water effluent secondary pipe section. The second pipe section thus serves to supply the waste water in the subsequent sewer line.

The odor trap assembly further includes a nebulizer for creating a disinfecting nebulizer. With the aid of the nebulizer, a disinfecting agent is converted into the disinfecting agent mist. The active agent mist is an aerosol in which the liquid particles of the active ingredient are dispersed in air. Another component of the odor trap arrangement is a connecting line arranged between the nebulizer and the first tube section for supplying the active agent mist into the odor trap. Accordingly, the active substance mist produced in the nebulizer flows from the nebulizer through the connecting line into the odor trap. The connection line opens in particular into the first tube section of the odor trap, so that the deliverable active agent mist exits in the first tube section and distributes itself there. The connecting line preferably opens laterally into the first tube section of the odor trap.

The second pipe section can be closed by an odor-occlusive blocking means, whereby the function of the odor trap arrangement is effected as an odor trap. The blocking agent prevents odors, ie gases against the flow direction of the waste water from the sewer line back get into the room. However, the blocking means allows the waste water to flow in the direction of flow for discharging the wastewater.

According to the invention, the blocking means forms a spatial boundary for the active substance mist which can be supplied into the odor trap. The blocking means forms in particular a lower boundary for the active substance mist which has entered the first tube section, so that, due to its gravitational force, it can build up as a standing active substance nebula column in the first tube section. The active substance nebula column is under the prevailing air pressure in the room and therefore not under an increased pressure. The active ingredient nebula column is due to their weight. The drug mist is heavier than air. The disinfectant effect of the active ingredient nebula column occurs in particular during those periods in which no wastewater flows. These temporal sections occur during the intended use of the odor trap assembly, so that it requires no interruption of this intended use by special measures for disinfection. The standing active substance nebula column can therefore be built up during the intended use of the odor trap arrangement. The standing active substance mist column is preferably buildable in the first pipe section on the blocking means located in the second pipe section up to the spout connection.

The flow of the inflowing wastewater is not hindered by the blocking agent. Thus, the barrier agent is permeable to sewage. The odor-occlusive effect and the wastewater permeability of the barrier agent are preferred permanently given, so that it requires no actuator for the locking means.

A significant advantage of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention is to be seen in the fact that the disinfecting active agent mist produced with the removed nebulizer has a very large effective surface, whereby a high cleaning and disinfecting effect is ensured. Due to the blocking means there is a limitation of the pipe section to be cleaned, so that a standing active substance mist column can arise. The standing active nebula prevents a germinated column of air in this area. By condensation of the active agent mist on the adjacent inner walls of the odor trap they are also disinfected and cleaned. The contaminated aerosol produced by the inflow of liquid into the odor trap is disinfected as it passes through the active substance mist. According to the invention, the recontamination of room air and surfaces outside the odor trap can be reliably prevented. The self-disinfecting odor trap assembly is therefore also suitable for use in highly sensitive areas, where particularly high hygiene requirements prevail. For disinfection only a comparatively small amount of disinfectant is required, whereby the environment is less burdened and not least, costs can be saved.

The odor trap assembly is preferably suitable for installation in the sewer line described. The effluent may be, for example, the waste water produced during a purification or emptying of the human body, but also special types of waste water, such as for example, from medical devices, such as dialysis machines act.

The spout connection is preferably designed as a spout of a sink, a bathtub, a shower tray, a urinal, a toilet or even a medical device.

The nebulizer is preferably an ultrasonic nebulizer. By ultrasonic nebulization, droplet sizes below 10 microns can be generated. Droplet sizes of 4 μm to 5 μm have proven to be particularly favorable. However, it should not be limited to ultrasonic nebulizers.

The nebuliser used should preferably allow the generation of droplet sizes below 10 microns. To ensure a continuous supply of the nebulizer with a disinfectant which forms the active ingredient, the nebulizer is preferably connected to a disinfectant reservoir so that the disinfectant can flow from the disinfectant reservoir to the nebulizer.

For use in highly sensitive areas with correspondingly high hygiene requirements, it is expedient to equip the odor trap assembly with a second nebulizer, which is available for a malfunction of the first nebulizer without delay for nebulization.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second pipe section is formed as a siphon to receive the blocking means in the form of a barrier liquid formed by a portion of the waste water. The siphon is preferably U-shaped, so it preferably by a tube siphon is formed. Alternatively, the siphon is preferably formed by a bottle siphon, by a cup siphon, by a double tongue siphon or by a flush siphon. On the inner walls of the siphon condensing agent mist enters the barrier fluid and also ensures their disinfection. The active substance mist column stands on the barrier liquid. The barrier liquid forms the lower spatial limit for the active ingredient nebula column.

The odor trap arrangement is preferably equipped with a second connecting line for feeding a part of the active substance mist into the odor trap, which is arranged between the nebulizer and a third pipe section adjoining the second pipe section in the flow direction behind the second pipe section. Accordingly, part of the nebulizer produced by the nebulizer, starting from the nebulizer, flows through the second connecting line and into the third tube section. The third pipe section preferably extends in the horizontal direction. By introducing the part of the generated active substance mist in the flow direction behind the siphon and this area of the odor trap assembly is disinfected. In this way, penetration of microorganisms from the underlying pipe system can be prevented in the barrier liquid. The active substance mist which condenses on the inner walls of the third tube section flows into the barrier fluid and thus additionally increases the concentration of active ingredient in the barrier fluid.

An alternative preferred embodiment uses as a blocking means at least one valve arranged in the second pipe section, which can also be designed as a valve as another mechanical shut-off device. The Flap, the valve or the mechanical shut-off device forms a further component of the odor trap assembly. The flap is closed when no sewage flows into the trap. As a result, a contaminated aerosol only in the second pipe section in the flow direction behind the flap arise. In this way, it can hardly come back to contamination. The flap is preferably designed such that it automatically closes due to its weight, for example by being mounted at its upper end. The flap can also be formed by a rubber flap. The flap, the valve or the mechanical shut-off device can also be urged by a spring in the closed state. The flap, the valve or the mechanical shut-off device is preferably designed such that it opens by the pressure of the inflowing from the first pipe section wastewater. The second pipe section preferably has a shape in which the flow direction continuously changes from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, wherein the leakage is extended in the horizontal direction by an extended spout and the flap, the valve or the mechanical shut-off in or in the flow direction behind the extended spout. In any case, the second pipe section is preferably shaped so as to gradually and smoothly, ie steadily, reduce the kinetic energy of the inflowing falling waste water while transferring the flow direction of the waste water in the horizontal direction, thereby greatly reducing the generation of spray water. For this purpose, the second pipe section is preferably formed jump jump outlet. The described shape has the great advantage that the splash water that usually forms during the inflow of waste water is significantly minimized can be, whereby a minimization of the formation of contaminated aerosol is feasible.

The odor trap assembly according to an advantageous embodiment comprises a control unit for controlling the supply of active substance mist in the odor trap. By means of the control unit, both the amount of active substance mist produced and the delivery pressure of the nebulizer can be regulated. For example, the amount of active substance mist can be adjusted so that a permanent active substance nebula column is always maintained above the blocking agent. The control can preferably also ensure that by appropriate dosage of the active agent mist, a portion of the active substance mist condenses on the inner walls of the odor trap. As a result, enters a portion of the drug and impurities in the barrier fluid or in the area behind the flap to provide there also for disinfection and biofilms and to counteract odors. With the aid of the control unit it is possible to regulate, preferably, application rate, delivery rate and timing of the active agent mist. In addition, the control unit preferably serves to detect malfunctions of the odor trap arrangement and to generate corresponding warning signals. With the control unit and the level of the disinfectant storage can be monitored to always have a sufficient amount of disinfectant available. The generated warning signals can be transmitted via known transmission systems, such as WLAN, LAN or Bluetooth, to the responsible maintenance personnel.

In an expedient embodiment, the spout connection comprises a splash guard for preventing from the first Pipe section of re-injected wastewater. The splash guard is preferably designed to reduce the flow rate of the inflowing wastewater. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous to mold the splash guard such that it causes a deflection of the flow direction of the inflowing wastewater, in particular from a vertical direction in a horizontal direction. The splash guard can be designed as an automatically closing membrane or as an automatically closing lamella closure. The membrane preferably has a circular cross section, the outer edge sealingly abuts the inner wall of the first pipe section in the closed state. When wastewater enters the membrane opens and releases a flow channel for the wastewater. In the periods in which no wastewater flows, the membrane is closed and prevents the exchange of air between the trap and the room air. The lamellar closure preferably comprises a plurality of lamellae which extend radially from a central stop or holding element in the direction of the inner wall of the first tube section or vice versa. The central stop or holding element extends in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe section. In the closed state, the lamellae seal against the central stop element or on the inner wall. When inflowing wastewater, the lamellae remove from the central stop element or from the inner wall and release a flow channel. In alternatively preferred embodiments, the splash guard is formed by a spout extension with lateral openings, which projects into the first pipe section. The spout extension preferably has the outer shape of a cylinder whose outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe section. The cylinder is closed on its underside. The lateral openings are located in the cylinder jacket.

The connecting line between the nebulizer and the first pipe section is expediently designed as a pipe or as a hose. It is preferably at least 10 cm long.

The optionally existing second connecting line between the nebulizer and the third pipe section is expediently designed as a pipe or as a hose. It is preferably at least 10 cm long.

It is advantageous to provide the nebulizer with an air supply for supplying room air, which does not come from the odor trap assembly. The air that can be supplied through the air supply forms the carrier of the active substance mist.

The odor trap assembly preferably further includes a fan for transporting the nebulizer from the nebulizer into the odor trap. The fan may be arranged in the connecting line or in front of the connecting line to the nebulizer. In the embodiments which have a second connecting line for feeding a part of the active substance mist into the third pipe section, a fan is likewise preferably installed in the second connecting line.

The odor trap can be made of any material, which, however, should be resistant to the disinfectant used. The material used preferably prevents or impedes the adhesion of dirt and microorganisms. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall of the odor trap with a Adhesion of dirt and microorganisms preventive or aggravating coating be provided, which is very smooth. In addition, an additional germ-inhibiting or germicidal coating of the inner wall has proven to be preferred.

The odor trap arrangement expediently comprises an electric accumulator, which ensures the operation of the odor trap assembly even during a power failure over a certain period of time, preferably at least three hours. As a result, disinfection is also possible at locations where no power connection is available.

The method according to the invention serves to operate the self-disinfecting odor trap arrangement according to the invention and comprises the following steps. First, a drug mist is generated by operating the nebulizer. Subsequently, the generated active substance mist is supplied via the connecting line into the first tube section of the odor trap, whereby a standing active substance mist column consisting of the supplied active substance is built up over the blocking means. By supplying and introducing the generated active substance mist via the connecting line into the first tube section of the odor trap, there is prevented the formation of a contaminated gas or contaminated aerosol there.

The method according to the invention serves to operate preferred embodiments of the self-disinfecting odor trap arrangement. Preferably, the method also has such features associated with are specified with the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly.

According to the invention, the standing active substance mist column is produced and maintained in the first pipe section, based on the blocking means located in the second pipe section, up to the spout connection. As a result, a recontamination of the room air is reliably prevented. In contrast to a single cleaning, the standing active-substance mist column is permanently and completely maintained insofar as waste water, which flows into the first pipe section through the spout connection, permits this. After the flow of wastewater into the spout port has been completed and the effluent has been completely drained off through the first tube section, the standing active nebula column is preferably completed again to completely fill the first tube section above the barrier agent with the delivered active agent mist.

The nebulizer is preferably supplied for nebulization an active ingredient, which is formed by an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and at least one carboxylic acid. Alternatively or in addition to the carboxylic acid, one or more silver salts can also be used. The active substance is highly effective in the lowest concentration of the aqueous solution of preferably less than 10%. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the active ingredient, it should be listed in the disinfectants list of the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) or in the list of disinfectants of the German Veterinary Society (DVG). The amount of active substance introduced into the odor trap must be so low that, when the total amount of active substance leaves the cavity of the odor trap, all relevant limit values with regard to the individual components of human health are obtained remain well below. According to an advantageous embodiment, the active ingredient is biodegradable and comprises 80% to 95% pure water, 2% to 12% hydrogen peroxide and 2% to 10% of one or more carboxylic acids, the carboxylic acid preferably being formed by peracetic acid. The proportion of the hydrogen peroxide is more preferably 2.5% to 3.0%. The proportion of the one or more carboxylic acids is more preferably 2.0% to 3.0%. The constituents of the active ingredient used should preferably be approved as food additives. The components contained in the active ingredient carboxylic acids or silver salts ensure that the active ingredient remain on the surface to be disinfected for a certain period of time to create a depot effect for any cycles without active ingredient nebula column. In addition to the described preferred composition of the active ingredient, the active ingredient may alternatively preferably also be formed by another nebulizable disinfectant, which is preferably environmentally compatible.

The control unit which is preferably connected to the nebuliser ensures the maintenance of the permanent standing active-substance nebula column in the odor trap. The control unit allows a temporal and quantitative control of the active substance mist. The fan preferably contained in the odor trap assembly generates a small and controllable air flow to transport the active agent mist from the nebulizer into the odor trap. During initial startup, a stable state is regulated by regulating the speed of the fan and the control of the amount of active substance mist generated, in which the entire space to be disinfected in the trap is filled by the active substance mist. in this connection should not leak any drug mist from the spout port. Optionally, a sporadic disinfection of a connected object, for example a washbasin, could take place by generating so much active substance mist that it also temporarily fills the interior of the object. An efficient and permanent protection presupposes that the system is put into a clean initial state during initial commissioning by means of a shock disinfection with a high amount of active agent mist or, in the case of very high pollution, by a first cleaning with disinfection. Depending on the application, it is preferred to produce a permanently obtained active substance mist column or an active-substance mist column which arises at fixed intervals. The active substance mist column is preferably produced in such a way that it fills out the first pipe cut and preferably reaches as far as the pouring connection. Furthermore, preference is given to introducing so much active substance mist into the odor trap that part of the active substance mist leaves the pouring connection in the direction of the room, where it is diluted in principle by the room air present there, but also disinfects the space in a region around the pouring connection. This area around the spout connection is given for example in a washbasin or in a bathtub and has a radius of preferably at least 40 cm.

If there is no power supply at the place of use and for this reason must be resorted to an accumulator-based power supply, an interval operation should be made for energy saving reasons. Here, the drug concentration and a depot effect must be considered in order to bridge the cycles without active ingredient nebula column can.

Fig. 1:

eine vereinfachte Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen selbstdesinfizierenden Geruchsverschlussanordnung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2:

eine vereinfachte Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen selbstdesinfizierenden Geruchsverschlussanordnung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3:

eine Teilansicht der erfindungsgemäßen selbstdesinfizierenden Geruchsverschlussanordnung in einer dritten Ausführungsform; und

Fig. 4:

eine Teilansicht der erfindungsgemäßen selbstdesinfizierenden Geruchsverschlussanordnung in einer vierten Ausführungsform.

Preferred embodiments of the invention as well as their advantages and details are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

Fig. 1:

a simplified representation of a self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2:

a simplified representation of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention in a second embodiment;

3:

a partial view of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention in a third embodiment; and

4:

a partial view of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention in a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation of a self-disinfecting odor trap assembly 01 according to the invention in a first embodiment, which is particularly for a wax basin in an operating room. The odor trap assembly 01 according to the invention initially comprises an odor trap 02. The odor trap 02 has a first tube section 03 designed as a downpipe. The first pipe section 03 has on the input side a spout connection 04, in which wastewater can flow. The first pipe section 03 is followed in the flow direction by a second pipe section 05 which dissipates the waste water. The second pipe section 05 is formed in the embodiment shown as a U-shaped siphon. Due to the U-shaped shape of the second tube section 05 remains a part of the inflowing The barrier liquid 07 serves as an odor-occlusive blocking means and limits the volume in the first pipe section 03. The second pipe section 05 is adjoined by a third pipe section 08, which extends in the horizontal direction. On the output side, the third pipe section 05 ends in a drain connection 09, via which the wastewater can flow into a connected drainage system (not shown). The odor trap 02 expediently consists of a material which prevents or at least impedes the adhesion of dirt and microorganisms. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall of the odor trap 02 may also be provided with a coating which prevents the adhesion of dirt and microorganisms or aggravates it. In addition, the inner wall may have a germ-inhibiting or germicidal coating.

The odor trap assembly 01 further includes a nebulizer 10 for creating a disinfecting agent spray. The nebulizer 10 is preferably an ultrasonic nebulizer, with which droplet sizes below 10 microns can be generated. A continuous supply of the nebulizer 10 with the disinfectant to be nebulized as the active ingredient preferably takes place via a disinfectant reservoir (not shown) connected to the nebulizer 10. As a disinfectant, a biodegradable mixture with the ingredients 80% to 95% water, 2% to 12% hydrogen peroxide and 2% to 10% carboxylic acid has proven to be favorable. The nebulizer 10 is connected via a connecting line 12 with the first pipe section 03. The connecting line 12 serves to supply the active substance mist generated in the nebulizer 10 into the odor trap 02. It is designed as a tube or as a hose. For transport the active agent mist from the nebulizer 10 in the first tube section 03 is a fan (not shown). The fan may be arranged in the connecting line 12 or in front of the connecting line 12 on the nebulizer 10.

To control the supply of active substance mist into the odor trap 02, a control unit (not shown) is preferably used, which forms a further component of the odor trap arrangement 01. About the control unit, the application rate, the Ausbringdruck and the timing of the nebulizer 10 generated drug can be controlled. In addition, the control unit can also monitor the proper operation of the odor trap assembly 02 and generate corresponding warning signals in case of malfunction. The warning signals may be transmitted via known transmission systems to external dispensing and processing systems to alert the appropriate service personnel. The control unit can also monitor the level of the disinfectant storage in order to prompt a refill of the disinfectant storage can.

With the odor trap arrangement 01 according to the invention, a nebulizer column 11 is produced in the first tube section 03 between the barrier liquid 07 and the pouring port 04, which disinfects and cleans this area. The active substance mist column 11 can be permanently guaranteed or generated at fixed time intervals. The life of the active substance nebula column 11 can be adapted to the degree of contamination of the space to be disinfected in the odor trap 02. Condensing active agent mist flows down due to gravity on the inner wall down to the barrier liquid 07, where the active ingredient also has a disinfecting effect. Due to the existing active ingredient nebula column 11 in the described area, penetration of room air and its contamination is effectively prevented.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly 01. This embodiment further comprises a second connecting line 13 for supplying a part of the active substance mist in the odor trap 02. This second connecting line 13 is located in the flow direction behind the siphon formed as the second pipe section 05 and connects the nebulizer 10 with the third pipe section 08. By introduced in the flow direction behind the second pipe section 05 drug mist also this area is disinfected. In this way it can be prevented that contaminants from the underlying pipe system get into the barrier liquid 07. In addition, active substance mist also condenses on the inner wall of the third tube section 08 and flows into the barrier fluid 07, so that the concentration of active substance in the barrier fluid 07 additionally increases.

Fig. 3 shows a partial view of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly 01 according to the invention in a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the second pipe section 05 is formed jump jump outlet. By this shaping, the flow rate of the introduced into the odor trap 02 wastewater can be reduced. The splashing water formation is thus also significantly reduced, so that the formation of contaminated aerosol can be minimized. In contrast to the embodiments described so far serves as a blocking means arranged in the second pipe section 05 flap 14, which closes automatically due to their weight. As Non-return flap executed flap 14 is closed when no wastewater flows into the odor trap 02. Thus, a contaminated aerosol is formed only in the second pipe section 05 in the flow direction behind the flap 14, whereby recontaminations are virtually eliminated. The flap 14 serves instead of the sealing water 07 (shown in FIG Fig. 1 ) as a mechanical barrier on which the active substance nebula column 11 (shown in FIG Fig. 1 ) can build.

Fig. 4 shows a partial view of the self-disinfecting odor trap assembly according to the invention in a fourth embodiment. The splash guard 15 comprises first lamellae 17 and second lamellae 18. The first lamellae 17 lie in the closed state sealingly against a central stop element 19 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first tube section 03 on. The second blades 18 are in the closed state sealingly against the inner wall of the first pipe section 03. The fins 17, 18 extend in the radial direction to the inner wall of the first pipe section 03. When inflowing wastewater, the fins 17, 18 open by removing from the stop element 19 and from the inner wall of the first pipe section 03 and a flow channel free give. In addition, in the first tube section 03 there is a floating element 20, which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the first tube section 03 and prevents backflow of the wastewater into the region of the pouring connection 04.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01 -

Trap arrangement

02 -

trap

03 -

first pipe section

04 -

Ausgussanschluss

05 -

second pipe section

06 -

-

07 -

sealing liquid

08 -

third pipe section

09 -

outflow

10 -

nebulizer

11 -

Aerosol column

12 -

connecting line

13 -

second connection line

14 -

flap

15 -

splash guard

16 -

-

17 -

first lamellae

18 -

second fins

19 -

stop element

20 -

floating member

Claims (12)

1. A method for operating a self-disinfecting odor trap arrangement (01) which is provided for installation in a waste water pipe and comprises an odor trap (02) having a first pipe section (03) in the form of a downpipe, the first pipe section (03) having a drain connection (04) at the input side for the inflow of waste water, and having a second pipe section (05) adjoining the first pipe section (03) and discharging the waste water; the odor trap arrangement (01) further having a nebulizer (10) for generating a disinfecting active substance mist and a connecting line (12) arranged between the nebulizer (10) and the first pipe section (03) for feeding the active substance mist into the odor trap (02); the second pipe section (05) being closable by an odor-trapping blocking means (07; 14) which serves as a spatial boundary for the active substance mist which can be fed into the odor trap (02); and the method comprising the following steps:

   - generating an active substance mist by operating the nebulizer (10); and

   - feeding the generated active substance mist into the odor trap (02) via the connecting line (12) thereby building up a standing active substance mist column (11) over the blocking means (07; 14),

   wherein the standing active substance mist column (11) is permanently maintained, insofar as this is allowed by waste water flowing through the drain connection (04) into the first pipe section (03).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting line (12) opens laterally into the first pipe section (03).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second pipe section (05) is formed as a siphon to receive the blocking means (07) in the form of a blocking liquid (07) formed by part of the waste water.
4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocking means (14) is a flap (14) arranged in the second pipe section (05), which flap forms a component of the odor trap arrangement (01).
5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the odor trap arrangement (01) further comprises a control unit for regulating the feed of the active substance mist into the odor trap (02).
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the nebulizer (10) is connected to a disinfectant storage.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the drain connection (04) comprises a splash guard (15) to prevent waste water from splashing back.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the odor trap arrangement (01) further comprises a fan for transporting the active substance mist from the nebulizer (10) into the odor trap (02).
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inner wall of the odor trap (02) is provided with a coating which prevents dirt and microorganisms from adhering thereto and/or which inhibits or kills germs.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the standing column of active substance mist (11) in the first pipe section (03) is generated and maintained up to the drain connection (04) by building up on the blocking means (07; 14) located in the second pipe section (05).
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, after the inflow of waste water into the drain connection (04) has ended and the waste water has been discharged through the first pipe section (03), the standing column (11) of active substance mist is completed again to completely fill the first pipe section (03) above the blocking means (07; 14) with the active substance mist.
12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the nebulizer (10) a biodegradable active substance composed of:

    - water,

    - hydrogen peroxide and

    - at least one carboxylic acid
    is nebulized to create the active substance mist.

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