EP3615093A2 - Améliorations relatives à la désinfection d'un espace d'air - Google Patents

Améliorations relatives à la désinfection d'un espace d'air

Info

Publication number
EP3615093A2
EP3615093A2 EP18725889.2A EP18725889A EP3615093A2 EP 3615093 A2 EP3615093 A2 EP 3615093A2 EP 18725889 A EP18725889 A EP 18725889A EP 3615093 A2 EP3615093 A2 EP 3615093A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
air
per minute
disinfectant
air per
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Withdrawn
Application number
EP18725889.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Wilson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Protex Hygiene Ltd
Original Assignee
Protex Hygiene Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Protex Hygiene Ltd filed Critical Protex Hygiene Ltd
Publication of EP3615093A2 publication Critical patent/EP3615093A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
    • A61L9/145—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
    • 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
    • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D47/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D47/02—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent by passing the gas or air or vapour over or through a liquid bath
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D47/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D47/14—Packed scrubbers
    • 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
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
    • 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
    • A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
    • 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
    • A61L2202/13—Biocide decomposition means, e.g. catalysts, sorbents
    • 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
    • A61L2202/14—Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs
    • 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
    • A61L2202/15—Biocide distribution means, e.g. nozzles, pumps, manifolds, fans, baffles, sprayers
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
    • 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
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
    • 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
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
    • A61L2209/21—Use of chemical compounds for treating air or the like
    • A61L2209/211—Use of hydrogen peroxide, liquid and vaporous
    • 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
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
    • A61L2209/22—Treatment by sorption, e.g. absorption, adsorption, chemisorption, scrubbing, wet cleaning
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2247/00—Details relating to the separation of dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D2247/12—Fan arrangements for providing forced draft

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device, apparatus and a method for disinfecting an air space.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is often used to disinfect areas of a hospital.
  • so-called “fogging machines” or “foggers” are used to emit hydrogen peroxide in a vapour or aerosol form to fill the target space.
  • the airborne hydrogen peroxide can reach all exposed surfaces, including surfaces that are difficult to clean by manual means.
  • one or more fogger systems are placed within the ward and the ward is then sealed for approximately one hour whilst the fogger distributes hydrogen peroxide throughout the ward.
  • a carbon scrubber may be used to filter the air. Using a carbon scrubber, it typically takes several hours to remove the hydrogen peroxide from a room in order that the room is safe for people to enter.
  • the process of disinfecting rooms or enclosed spaces such as hospital wards, bathrooms and ambulances is generally a time consuming and expensive procedure, as it requires the area to be shut down and out of use for several hours.
  • a portable device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from air comprising a water reservoir, and means for drawing air into contact with water from the water reservoir.
  • a water reservoir to remove water-soluble disinfectant from air may be beneficial as it can be significantly quicker than other means of removal, such as using carbon scrubbers or simply waiting for the disinfectant to dissipate through open windows into the atmosphere. Reducing the time taken for a disinfecting operation may provide great cost savings, particularly when regular disinfection is required.
  • the device is portable, and may, therefore, be transportable from one location to another.
  • the device may comprise a weight of at most 20kg, at most 25kg, at most 30kg, at most 35kg, at most 40kg, at most 45kg, at most 50kg, at most 55kg, at most 60kg, at most 65kg, at most 70kg, at most 75kg, at most 80kg, at most 85kg, at most 90kg, at most 95kg, or at most 100kg.
  • the device may be configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 0.5m 3 of air per minute, at least 1 m 3 of air per minute, at least 2m 3 of air per minute, at least 3m 3 of air per minute, at least 4m 3 of air per minute, or at least 5m 3 of air per minute.
  • the device being configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 0.5m 3 of air per minute, at least 1 m 3 of air per minute, at least 2m 3 of air per minute, at least 3m 3 of air per minute, at least 4m 3 of air per minute, or at least 5m 3 of air per minute may provide a greater rate of removal than devices known in the prior art.
  • the device may be configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 0.5m 3 of air per minute, at least 1 m 3 of air per minute, at least 2m 3 of air per minute, at least 3m 3 of air per minute, at least 4m 3 of air per minute , or at least 5m 3 of air per minute, at least 6m 3 of air per minute, at least 7m 3 of air per minute, at least 8m 3 of air per minute, at least 9m 3 of air per minute, at least 10m 3 of air per minute, at least 11 m 3 of air per minute, at least 12m 3 of air per minute, at least 13m 3 of air per minute, at least 14m 3 of air per minute, at least 15m 3 of air per minute, at least 16m 3 of air per minute, at least 17m 3 of air per minute, at least 18m 3 of air per minute, at least 19m 3 of air per minute, or at least 20m 3 of air per minute.
  • the device may be configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 5m 3 of air per minute such that the concentration of water-soluble disinfectant in the air is at most 1 part-per-million (ppm), at most 0.9 ppm, at most 0.8 ppm, at most 0.7ppm, at most 0.6ppm, at most 0.5ppm, at most 0.4ppm, at most 0.3ppm, at most 0.2ppm, at most 0.1 ppm, at most 0.01 ppm, at most 0.001 ppm, or at most 0.0001 ppm.
  • the device may be configured to completely remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 5m 3 of air per minute.
  • the device may be configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 5m 3 of air per minute such that the concentration of water-soluble disinfectant is the air is Oppm.
  • the space to be disinfected may comprise a room such as a hospital ward or a bathroom, or may be a vehicle such as an ambulance. Any space where there is a concern about the transmission of disease may benefit from the present invention. Examples include laboratory workstations, isolation and pass- through rooms, aircraft interiors, cruise ship cabins, offices, hotel rooms and leisure centres. For the technology to be effective, the space must be of a practicable size and be enclosed, in that the atmosphere inside the space may be substantially sealed from its surroundings.
  • the water-soluble disinfectant may comprise hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone or an inorganic peroxide.
  • the water-soluble disinfectant may be hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide based chemical, eg peracetic acid.
  • Use of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant is beneficial as it decomposes to form water and oxygen, and therefore does not leave a residue on surfaces after a disinfecting operation.
  • the disinfectant may comprise stabilised hydrogen peroxide, for example silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide.
  • Silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide is considered to be more effective than hydrogen peroxide alone.
  • bacteria emit a catalase enzyme in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in order to protect themselves.
  • the silver ions react with and destroy this catalase, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the cell wall and kill the bacteria.
  • Different bacteria emit different amounts of catalase, and therefore by removing this catalase defence, silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide may be able to kill some bacteria that hydrogen peroxide is unable to kill.
  • the water reservoir may comprise a volume of at least 5m 3 , at least 10m 3 , at least 15m 3 , at least 20m 3 , at least 25m 3 , or at least 30m 3 .
  • the device may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet.
  • the air inlet may be space apart from the air outlet.
  • the device may comprise means for drawing air into the air inlet, for example an air blower, such as a fan.
  • the device comprises means for drawing air into contact with water from the water reservoir.
  • the device may comprise a purification chamber in fluid communication with the water reservoir, for example such that water and/or air can pass between the water reservoir and the purification chamber in use.
  • the device may comprise a pump for pumping water from the water reservoir to a position from which the water is allowed to flow through the purification chamber.
  • the device may comprise a plurality of conduits connected to the pump, and extending to a position above the purification chamber, and at least one of the conduits may comprise at least one outlet such that water is allowed to flow from the conduit through the purification chamber under the action of gravity. Water may be allowed to flow through the purification chamber to the water reservoir in use.
  • the purification chamber may have a volume of at least 50 litres, at least 60 litres, at least 70 litres, at least 80 litres, at least 90 litres, or at least 100 litres.
  • the device may comprise at least one water retention formation for retaining water within the purification chamber.
  • the at least one water retention formation may be configured to retain at least some of the water from the water reservoir in the purification chamber in use.
  • the use of at least one water retention formation may increase the surface area of water contained in the purification chamber, and hence may increase the rate of transfer between the water-soluble disinfectant and water in use.
  • the at least one water retention formation may be located within the purification chamber.
  • the at least one water retention feature may fill at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the volume of the purification chamber.
  • the at least one water retention formation may comprise at least one water retention member, which may define one or more surfaces for retaining water and/or one or more apertures for retaining water, for example in the form of a film of water.
  • the water retention member may include cross-bars, which extend across the aperture, for example radially.
  • the at least one water retention formation may comprise a plurality of apertures, each of which is capable of retaining water.
  • the device may comprise a plurality of water retention members, in the form of random packing.
  • the at least one water retention formation may comprise a pall ring (available from The Pall Ring Company - http://www.pallrings.co.uk/).
  • the device may comprise a plurality of water retention formations, each of which being configured to retain at least some of the water from the water reservoir in the purification chamber in use.
  • Each of plurality of water retention formations may comprise a pall ring, for example such that the plurality of pall rings provide random packing within the purification chamber.
  • the purification chamber may be located in an air-flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, for example such that air passing from the air inlet to the air outlet has to pass through the purification chamber in use.
  • the device may comprise a water inlet for filling the water reservoir.
  • the device may comprise a water outlet for emptying the water reservoir.
  • the water inlet and the water outlet may, for example, comprise a single component, such that the flow path of water through the water inlet is the same as the flow path of water through the water outlet.
  • the device may be configured, for example the water inlet and/or water outlet may be shaped and/or dimensioned, to provide a filling and/or emptying rate of at least 5 litres per minute, at least 6 litres per minute, at least 7 litres per minute, at least 8 litres per minute, at least 9 litres per minute, or at least 10 litres per minute.
  • the device may comprise a drain for removal of dilute disinfectant.
  • the drain may extend from a lower portion of the water reservoir, eg adjacent a lower surface of the water reservoir, when the device is orientated as in use.
  • Removal of dilute disinfectant allows the water in the reservoir to be replaced when necessary, for example when the concentration of disinfectant in the water exceeds a particular value and/or begins to limit the efficiency of the purification process.
  • the drain may provide a safe means of removal of the dilute disinfectant.
  • the device may comprise a heater for heating the water reservoir.
  • the heater may be configured to maintain water temperature within the water reservoir at at least 20°C, at least 25°C, or at least 30°C.
  • the device may be configured for use in conjunction with an enzyme for improving efficiency of removal of water-soluble disinfectant from air.
  • the device may be configured for use in conjunction with a catalase for improving efficiency of removal of water-soluble disinfectant from air.
  • kits comprising a device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a catalase for improving efficiency of removal of water-soluble disinfectant from air.
  • apparatus for disinfecting a space using a water-soluble disinfectant comprising a first device for distributing the water-soluble disinfectant in air in the space and a second device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air, the second device comprising a water reservoir, and means for drawing the air into contact with water from the water reservoir.
  • the second device may be configured to remove water-soluble disinfectant from at least 5m 3 of air per minute.
  • the second device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air may comprise a device according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the device for distributing the water-soluble disinfectant may be a so-called “fogging machine” or “fogger".
  • a so-called "fogging machine” or "fogger”. In the context of the present invention, a
  • fogging machine or “fogger” is any device that emits a vapour or an aerosol (or fog).
  • a liquid is vaporised or atomised inside the fogger and emitted through an outlet, usually a nozzle.
  • the device for distributing a water-soluble disinfectant may comprise a storage container for the disinfectant, a pump and an outlet.
  • the outlet may comprise a distribution nozzle.
  • the nozzle may be capable of changing its orientation in order to distribute the disinfectant in different directions.
  • the apparatus may comprise multiple distribution nozzles.
  • the distribution nozzles may be arranged to distribute disinfectant in different directions.
  • the apparatus may comprise means to aid the dispersion of the water-soluble disinfectant throughout the space.
  • the apparatus may comprise a fan for enabling flow of the disinfectant throughout the space.
  • the distribution nozzles and fan are advantageous as they improve the distribution of the disinfectant throughout the space, with the aim of achieving a desired concentration of disinfectant throughout the space.
  • the apparatus may emit an aerosol of disinfectant into the air, ie a fog or mist of small liquid droplets.
  • Distributing a water-soluble disinfectant in the space may comprise emitting airborne liquid droplets of disinfectant into the space.
  • the liquid droplets of disinfectant may be micro-droplets.
  • the micro-droplets may measure 5-50 microns in diameter.
  • the device for distributing aerosolised disinfectant may comprise an atomiser.
  • Liquid disinfectant may be stored in the storage container.
  • the pump may eject liquid disinfectant from the outlet under pressure, thereby producing droplets of the liquid disinfectant within the air.
  • the apparatus may produce a vapour of disinfectant.
  • Distributing a water-soluble disinfectant throughout the space may comprise emitting a vapour into the space.
  • the disinfectant may be distributed in air in the space in the form of a vapour.
  • the device for distributing the vapour may comprise an evaporator.
  • Liquid disinfectant may be stored in a liquid storage container. In use, liquid disinfectant may be pumped to the evaporator and the liquid disinfectant vaporised. Disinfectant vapour may then be delivered through the outlet to the air in the space to be disinfected.
  • the apparatus distributes disinfectant throughout the space to achieve a predetermined concentration of disinfectant.
  • the predetermined concentration of disinfectant may be the concentration of disinfectant required to sufficiently disinfect the space. This level is maintained for a period of time, which depends on the size of the space (for example the room size). This period of time is generally known as the "dwell period".
  • Removing the disinfectant from the air may comprise reducing the concentration of the disinfectant in the air.
  • the concentration of disinfectant in the air may be reduced to a desired concentration.
  • the desired concentration may be a concentration which is deemed safe for humans to breathe.
  • the disinfecting apparatus may be mains powered. Additionally or alternatively, the disinfecting apparatus may be capable of being powered by a battery, thereby allowing the apparatus to be wireless. It is advantageous that the apparatus may be operated wirelessly, as it allows the apparatus to be more easily moved between spaces, and also to be used in spaces where mains power is not accessible, for example in vehicles such as ambulances.
  • the device for distributing the water-soluble disinfectant throughout the space and the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air may be contained in separate housings, but may be operably linked.
  • the apparatus may comprise a controller, for control of both the device for distributing the water-soluble disinfectant and the device for removing the disinfectant.
  • the controller may comprise a user interface.
  • the controller may be programmable.
  • the controller may be, or may include, a remote control.
  • the two devices may be connected in a single apparatus that can be moved and operated as a single unit, eg on wheels. This may be more convenient than providing and operating a fogging device and air purifier separately.
  • the disinfecting apparatus may be mounted on a trolley comprising wheels, thereby allowing the apparatus to be easily moved between rooms.
  • a method of disinfecting a space using a water-soluble disinfectant comprising the steps of distributing the water-soluble disinfectant throughout the space, and drawing air from the space into contact with water from a water reservoir to remove the disinfectant from the air.
  • the method may be implemented using the disinfecting apparatus as described above.
  • the method may comprise providing an enzyme for improving efficiency of removal of water-soluble disinfectant from air, for example in the water contained within the water reservoir. This may improve the efficiency of removal of water-soluble disinfectant from the air.
  • the enzyme may comprise a catalase, and may, for example, comprise an aqueous catalase solution.
  • the enzyme may, for example, comprise liquid catalase 200P, manufactured by Enzyme Supplies Ltd, Oxford, UK.
  • the concentration of enzyme in the water reservoir may be at least 0.001 %, at least 0.002%, at least 0.003%, at least 0.004%, at least 0.005%, at least 0.006%, at least 0.007%, at least 0.008%, at least 0.009%, or at least 0.01 %.
  • the concentration of enzyme in the water reservoir may be at most 0.1 %, at most 0.09%, at most 0.08%, at most 0.07%, at most 0.06%, at most 0.05%, at most 0.04%, at most 0.03%, at most 0.02%, or at most 0.01 %.
  • Distributing disinfectant throughout the space may comprise generating a vapour or an aerosol in the space, for example by spraying micro-droplets of a liquid disinfectant throughout the space.
  • the method may comprise operating the disinfecting apparatus using a controller and/or a remote control.
  • the method may comprise switching on the device for distributing disinfectant for a predetermined period of time, the fogging period.
  • the device for distributing disinfectant may be switched on using the remote control.
  • the method may comprise switching off the device for distributing disinfectant after the fogging period has elapsed.
  • the device for distributing disinfectant may switch off automatically following the fogging period.
  • the fogging period may be the time required for the device to distribute the disinfectant throughout the space to reach the predetermined concentration of disinfectant, which may be at least 10 part-per-million (ppm), at least 20ppm, at least 30ppm, at least 40ppm, at least 50ppm, at least 60ppm, at least 70ppm, at least 80ppm, at least 90ppm, or at least 100ppm.
  • the fogging period may be calculated based on the volume of the space to be disinfected.
  • the method may comprise switching on the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed after the switching off of the device for distributing disinfectant.
  • the time period between the switching off of the device for distributing disinfectant and the switching on of the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air is the dwell period.
  • the switching on of the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air may be automatic, following the dwell period.
  • a user may use the controller and/or the remote control to switch on the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air.
  • the purifying period the device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from the air may switch off.
  • the system may provide an alert to the user as to when it is safe to enter the space that has been disinfected.
  • the alert may be visual and/or audible, and may be provided on controller and/or the remote control.
  • the fogger period, purifying period and/or dwell period may be input by a user, for example using the remote control or controller.
  • the user may input the dimensions and/or volume of the space to be disinfected and the controller may calculate the fogger period, purifier period and/or dwell period based on those parameters.
  • the apparatus may comprise user- selectable programs.
  • user-selectable programs may be based on the approximate size of the space to be disinfected, for example a small room, a medium room and a large room, with ranges of dimensions or example dimensions provided.
  • a device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from air in a space comprising a base for location on a support surface, in use, a water reservoir, means for drawing air into contact with water from the water reservoir, and an outlet for removal of liquid from the water reservoir following use, whilst the base remains located on the support surface.
  • the device may be a purifier as previously described.
  • the support surface may be the ground or a floor of a building, room or vehicle. Alternatively, the support surface may be a support platforms of separate transportation apparatus, such as a trolley.
  • the outlet for removal of liquid from the water reservoir may comprise a drain.
  • the drain may be provided on a lower portion of the device, beneath the water level of the reservoir.
  • the drain may be provided adjacent a bottom surface of the device, or on the bottom surface of the device, when the device is orientated as in use.
  • the drain may provide a safe way to remove liquid from the device whilst avoiding any contact between a user and the liquid.
  • the outlet for removal of liquid from the water reservoir may be provided on an upper portion of the device, above the water level of the reservoir.
  • the device may comprise a fluid passageway that extends through the outlet to the water reservoir.
  • the fluid passageway may take the form of a tube. Liquid may be removed from the water reservoir through the tube. Liquid may be pumped or siphoned from the water reservoir through the tube.
  • the device may therefore include a pump for causing flow of liquid through the fluid passageway, from the water reservoir, through the outlet.
  • the tube may provide a safe way to remove liquid from the device whilst avoiding any contact between a user and the liquid.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from air according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pall ring for use with the device of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of apparatus for disinfecting a space using a water-soluble disinfectant according to the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view of a device for distributing aerosolised disinfectant for use with the apparatus of Figure 4.
  • a device for removing water-soluble disinfectant from air according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown
  • the device 12 comprises a housing 114, a water inlet/outlet 116, a drain 120, an air inlet 122, an air outlet 124, a lid 126, a water reservoir 128, and a purification chamber 130.
  • the device 12 is depicted here mounted to a trolley 1 12, although it will be appreciate that the use of a trolley 112 is an optional feature
  • the housing 114 is generally cylindrical in form, and is hollow in nature.
  • the water inlet/outlet 116, and drain 120 each take the form of cylindrical apertures formed in the housing 114, each of which is selectively closable by an appropriate cover member.
  • the water inlet/outlet 116, and the drain 120 are each in fluid communication with the water reservoir 128.
  • the air inlet 122 takes the form a generally tubular, hollow, elbow-shaped member attached to the housing 114.
  • the opening of the air inlet 122 into the housing 114 is located between the water reservoir 128 and the purification chamber 130.
  • the air inlet 122 has a fan 132 for drawing air into the air inlet 122 in use.
  • the air outlet 124 takes the form of an open upper end of the housing, with the air outlet 124 being selectively closable by a lid 126.
  • the water reservoir 128 is a sump located at the lowermost end of the housing 1 14, and has a capacity of at least 30 litres.
  • a submersible pump 134 is located within the water reservoir 128, and conduits 136,138 extend from the pump 134 through the housing 1 14, to a location which is above the purification chamber 130 when the device 12 is in a normal operational position.
  • the water reservoir 128 is located below the opening of the air inlet 122 into the housing 114 when the device 12 is in a normal operational position.
  • the purification chamber 130 is located above the opening of the air inlet 122 into the housing 114 when the device 12 is in a normal operational position.
  • the purification chamber 130 comprises a lower floor 140 in the form of a filter plate which allows the passage of water and air in use.
  • the lower floor 140 extends across the width of the housing 114.
  • the purification chamber 130 has a volume of approximately 86 litres.
  • a plurality of pall rings 142 are located in the purification chamber 130.
  • a typical pall ring 142 is shown in Figure 3.
  • the pall ring 142 is generally cylindrical in form, and comprises a plurality of bars which define an open framework.
  • a presently preferred pall ring is the 16mm P-Series pall ring available from The Pall Ring Company (http://www.pallrings.co.uk/).
  • the device 12 is placed in a room which has been filled with water- soluble disinfectant (typically silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide), and the lid 126 is removed from the air outlet 124.
  • the water reservoir 128 is filled via the water inlet/outlet 116.
  • the pump 136 is used to pump water from the water reservoir 128 along the conduits 136,138. Water is able to fall from outlets in the conduit 138 (for example from perforations formed in the wall of the conduit 138), in the direction of arrow A in Figure 2, such that water from the water reservoir passes over the pall rings 142 and through the purification chamber 130.
  • the open framework structure of the pall rings 142 allows for the pall rings to trap films of water in the framework, thereby providing a large surface area of water, which may improve the rate at which water-soluble disinfectant dissolves in the water. Water is free to fall back into the water reservoir from the purification chamber 130 as a result of lower plate 140, such that water can be recycled during the purifying process.
  • the fan 132 is turned on and acts to draw air from the room into the air inlet 122.
  • the air passes into the housing 114, and rises through the lower plate 140 and into the purification chamber 130.
  • the air contacts the water held by the pall rings 142, such that the water-soluble disinfectant dissolves in the water and is removed through the air.
  • the purified air is allowed to flow back into the room via the air outlet 124, whilst the water containing dissolved disinfectant is allowed to fall from the pall rings 142 back into the water reservoir 128.
  • the process may be continuous, as a result of the recycling of the water, until the concentration of disinfectant in the room has reached a level at which the air is safe for a human to breathe.
  • a catalase is utilised in the water reservoir 128 to improve the efficiency of removal of disinfectant from the air.
  • An appropriate catalase may be liquid catalase 200P, manufactured by Enzyme Supplies Ltd, Oxford, UK.
  • the catalase is used in a concentration of between around 0.001 % and 0.01 %. If the concentration of disinfectant in the water reservoir becomes 128 too high, then the water can be drained from the water reservoir using the drain 120. Once the process has been completed, water can be emptied from the water reservoir 28 via the water inlet/outlet.
  • Apparatus for disinfecting a space using a water-soluble disinfectant is shown schematically in Figure 4.
  • the apparatus comprises a fogger 10 and a purifier 12.
  • the fogger 10 is a device for distributing disinfectant throughout air in a space
  • the purifier 12 is a device for removing the disinfectant from the air.
  • the purifier 12 takes the form of the purifier 12 described above.
  • the apparatus comprises a trolley 14 with wheels 16.
  • the fogger 10 is situated on a lower level 18 of the trolley 14 and the purifier 12 is situated on an upper level 20 of the trolley 14. In other examples of the invention, the fogger 10 and purifier 12 may be provided on the same level of the trolley.
  • the apparatus comprises a controller 21 which is affixed to the trolley 14 and operably connected to both the fogger 10 and the purifier 12.
  • the controller 21 comprises buttons 22 providing user-selectable options for selecting the required operating times for the fogger 10 and the purifier 12, and selecting the required duration of the dwell period.
  • the controller may comprise a user display which may present information to the user regarding the selected options, for example.
  • the apparatus also comprises a remote control 24 which communicates with the controller 21 in use.
  • the remote control comprises buttons 25 for commanding the controller to switch on and off the fogger 10 and the purifier 12.
  • the remote control 24 is capable of communicating with the controller 21 when located in a different room to the controller 21.
  • the remote control 24 comprises several LEDs 26 that may flash to indicate that the fogger 10 or purifier 12 is in operation. The several LEDs 26 may indicate whether it is safe to re-enter the room after a disinfecting operation. In other example
  • the remote control may comprise a user display, for example an LCD, which may present messages to the user regarding the disinfecting operation, for example the time remaining for the fogging, dwell or purifying periods.
  • a user display for example an LCD, which may present messages to the user regarding the disinfecting operation, for example the time remaining for the fogging, dwell or purifying periods.
  • a user may select the required time for the fogging, dwell and purifying periods using the buttons 22 on the controller 21 ; the user may then leave the room, and use the remote control 24 to start the operation.
  • the apparatus is battery powered and hence is wireless.
  • the apparatus may be easily moved by moving the wheeled trolley 14. In other embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may be mains powered.
  • a schematic cross-sectional view of the fogger 10 in isolation is shown in Figure 5.
  • the fogger 10 comprises a liquid storage container 48, for the storage of disinfectant, for example liquid silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide.
  • the fogger 10 also comprises a pump 50 and an outlet nozzle 52.
  • the pump 50 is battery operated. The pump 50 draws liquid from the storage container 48 and pumps it through the outlet nozzle 52.
  • the fogger 10 comprises an inlet 54, which is covered by a removable cap 56.
  • the inlet is connected to the liquid container 48 via a passageway 58.
  • the cap 56 is removed and disinfectant is poured into the inlet 54, through the passageway 58, into the liquid storage container 48.
  • the liquid container may be a replaceable cartridge comprising the disinfectant, which may be removably attached to the fogger. The use of a replaceable cartridge avoids the requirement for a user to pour the disinfectant into an inlet and hence may limit the contact that a user makes with the disinfectant.
  • the lid 126 of the device 12 may be a push fit lid, rather than being bolted to the device 12.
  • the device 12 may comprise separate water inlets and outlets, rather than the combined water inlet/outlet 1 16.
  • the device 12 may be utilised with a wider hose and fitting for speedier filling and emptying.
  • appendages of the device 12, eg the air inlet 122 may be angled relative to the housing 114, such that the appendages do not overhang the trolley 112.
  • the trolley 112 may comprise a brake.
  • the device 12 may not comprise a splash plate.
  • the device 12 may comprise a removable demister.
  • the device 2 may comprise blocks around a lower periphery, rather than a skirt.
  • the air inlet 122 may be angled relative to the body at about 45°.
  • the device 12 may comprise a sight gauge for water.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif portable pour éliminer un désinfectant soluble dans l'eau présent dans l'air. Le dispositif comprend un réservoir d'eau, et des moyens pour aspirer de l'air au contact de l'eau présente dans le réservoir d'eau.
EP18725889.2A 2017-04-25 2018-04-25 Améliorations relatives à la désinfection d'un espace d'air Withdrawn EP3615093A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201706573A GB2561864B (en) 2017-04-25 2017-04-25 Improvements related to the disinfecting of an air space
PCT/GB2018/000074 WO2018197826A2 (fr) 2017-04-25 2018-04-25 Améliorations relatives à la désinfection d'un espace d'air

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3615093A2 true EP3615093A2 (fr) 2020-03-04

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EP18725889.2A Withdrawn EP3615093A2 (fr) 2017-04-25 2018-04-25 Améliorations relatives à la désinfection d'un espace d'air

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EP (1) EP3615093A2 (fr)
GB (1) GB2561864B (fr)
WO (1) WO2018197826A2 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112370554A (zh) * 2020-10-30 2021-02-19 北京新风航天装备有限公司 一种集成的便携式消毒设备
BE1030116B1 (nl) * 2021-12-27 2023-07-25 Roam Tech Apparaat, systeem en werkwijze voor het desinfecteren van een kamer

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DE710954C (de) * 1934-12-25 1941-09-24 Heinrich Blunk Verfahren zur Reinigung von luft- oder sauerstoffhaltigen Gasgemischen
DE3228997A1 (de) * 1982-08-03 1984-02-09 Schwabsberger Energietechnik GmbH, 7095 Rainau Stallabluftwaescher
DE19931185A1 (de) * 1999-07-07 2001-01-18 Joerg Peter Schuer Verfahren zur Entkeimung von Luft
US7695692B2 (en) * 2003-08-06 2010-04-13 Sanderson William D Apparatus and method for producing chlorine dioxide
US8062588B2 (en) * 2006-03-22 2011-11-22 Zimek Technologies Ip, Llc Ultrasonic sanitation device and associated methods
JP2008110011A (ja) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-15 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 空気除菌装置
WO2008053871A1 (fr) * 2006-11-01 2008-05-08 Misawa Homes Co., Ltd. Purificateur d'air
GB0710331D0 (en) * 2007-05-30 2007-07-11 Bioquell Uk Ltd Improved in or relating to methods of decontaminating enclosed spaces
GB0919131D0 (en) * 2009-10-30 2009-12-16 Bioquell Uk Ltd Improvements in or relating to apparatus for enhancing distribution of a sterilant vapor in an enclosure
WO2012021113A2 (fr) * 2010-07-13 2012-02-16 Kare Muhendislik Cevre Teknolojileri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Mécanisme de tour permettant d'éliminer la suie et les odeurs dans l'air
US20120275953A1 (en) * 2011-04-29 2012-11-01 Robert Lukasik Method for reducing the concentration of disinfectant, decontamination apparatuses and systems and related methods of employing the same
KR101700431B1 (ko) * 2015-08-12 2017-01-26 주식회사 하나지엔씨 클러스터 이오나이저와 워터 캐치가 혼합된 하이브리드 멸균시스템 컨트롤 장치 및 방법
GB2543490B (en) * 2015-10-14 2020-06-03 Protex Hygiene Ltd Improvements related to the disinfecting of a room

Also Published As

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WO2018197826A2 (fr) 2018-11-01
GB201706573D0 (en) 2017-06-07
WO2018197826A3 (fr) 2019-03-28
GB2561864A (en) 2018-10-31
GB2561864B (en) 2020-01-01

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