EP4138932A1

EP4138932A1 - Decontamination device for sanitising contaminated material, in particular personal protective equipment

Info

Publication number: EP4138932A1
Application number: EP21720439.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Philippe Deslys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-04-21
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Also published as: WO2021213993A1; FR3109314A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a decontamination device for decontaminating personal protective equipment (PPE), consisting of an enclosure (1) including: - heating means (2), - an electronic unit (3) for controlling the heating means (2), - at least a first temperature probe (4) designed to measure the temperature in the enclosure (1), characterised in that the device is designed to be associated with at least one medium (5) capable of being humidified, the medium being designed to be arranged opposite a heating surface, and in that it comprises means for removing humidity from the enclosure (1), the electronic unit (3) being configured to, successively: - activate the heating means (2) until a temperature of between 55°C and 90°C is reached in the enclosure (1); - keep the heating means (2) activated during a decontamination phase in moist heat for a duration of between 1 minute and 30 minutes; - promote the removal of humidity via the humidity removal means during a drying phase in dry heat.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Decontamination device intended to hygienize contaminated tissues, in particular personal protective equipment

The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of protective equipment against biological agents.

[002] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for hygienizing personal protective equipment, including respiratory masks, gowns, cuffs, but also any clothing, or shoes, bags or even others. inert non-food objects which may have been contaminated. [003] Regarding respiratory masks, these have been widely used for a number of years in large cities, and in particular large cities in the east and south-east, to limit the inhalation of atmospheric pollutants , or contamination by viruses, such as influenza or coronaviruses.

[004] Of course, in an epidemic situation and even more pandemic, the use of these respiratory masks is multiplied and it is necessary to adapt the production of these masks to the peak in demand corresponding to the situation.

In this context, so-called FFP masks (abbreviation of the English terms "Filtering Facepiece Particles") and surgical masks have been designed and developed. These masks have a filtration device and are intended to protect the entourage of the wearer of the mask as well as the wearer of the mask himself against projections of droplets and particles suspended in the air.

[006] Within an area of active circulation of a virus, FFP2 masks in particular are reserved for doctors, nurses, dentists or other health specialists, if they need to perform priority care.

[007] That being the case, certain recommendations lead to encourage any person traveling in public areas affected by an epidemic, to wear such respiratory protection masks.

[008] Furthermore, the frequency of renewal of the respiratory mask is relatively high. Indeed, this renewal results from recommendations among which:

- a mask must not be reused once it has been handled and removed from the face,

- a maximum period of 3 to 8 hours for wearing the same mask must not be exceeded. [009] This frequency of renewal combined with a large population having recourse to the respiratory mask leads to a considerable consumption of masks having the following consequences in particular:

- the production capacity of masks may become insufficient, thus leading to a situation in which it is no longer possible to meet demand, this in particular at the level of medical personnel;

- the quantities and volumes of discarded masks are considerable, which creates a large volume of waste, which is obviously not desirable. [010] Faced with this observation, studies have been carried out to alleviate the scarcity of masks and to allow the expected replenishments.

[011] In particular, research has been carried out to allow the reuse of masks, this with an effective treatment in terms of decontamination vis-à-vis microorganisms while verifying that the treatment does not alter the performance of the mask. .

[012] Thus, recycling solutions have been considered, among which:

- washing with detergent at temperatures between 60 ° C and 95 ° C;

- Passage in an autoclave at 121 ° C for 15 to 20 minutes;

- irradiation by Gama or Beta radiation;

- exposure to ethylene oxide;

- heating to 70 ° C in dry heat or in water.

[013] Currently, the various techniques listed above involve one or more of the following drawbacks:

- the performance of treated respiratory masks is degraded;

- the processing equipment is not suitable for receiving large volumes and / or working at a sustained pace;

- the costs of the treatments are high, even economically unsustainable.

[014] In any event, personal protective equipment recycling solutions aim to treat personal protective equipment in quantity. In other words, even before recycling, it is necessary to collect personal protective equipment, or even temporarily store it before recycling. However, this logistical phase of recycling involves significant constraints since it concerns contaminated tissues. It is therefore necessary to provide suitable premises and protect (with new personal protective equipment therefore) the personnel involved in the handling of the equipment to be recycled. [015] At the same time, in the field of agro-food industries, it is known to resort to pasteurization processes and devices. By way of example, the patent document published under the number EP1450868 describes a process for the reduction of microbial loads using a chamber intended to receive a material to be treated, a saturated vapor environment being created in the chamber at a temperature predetermined. In addition, a vacuum is created in the chamber, and steam enters and leaves the chamber continuously.

[016] Such a technique corresponds to an industrial approach to pasteurization, and requires relatively heavy equipment, in terms of constantly creating steam and obtaining a vacuum in the chamber.

[017] The object of the invention is in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[018] More specifically, the aim of the invention is to provide a technique for recycling personal protective equipment (or other contaminated fabrics) which is technically and economically accessible and usable by everyone. [019] The invention also aims to provide such a technique which can be declined in different versions according to the desired uses and which is in particular easily transportable.

[020] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a decontamination device intended to decontaminate contaminated tissues, in particular personal protective equipment, consisting of a enclosure including:

- means of heating,

- an electronic control unit for the heating means,

- at least a first temperature probe intended to measure the temperature in the enclosure, characterized in that at least one internal wall of the enclosure has a heating surface, the device being intended to be associated with at least one medium suitable for being humidified, the medium being intended to be extended facing the heating surface, and in that it comprises means for evacuating humidity from the enclosure, the electronic unit being configured for, successively:

- Activate the heating means until a temperature of between 70 ° C and 75 ° C is reached in the enclosure, while the medium, in a humidified state, is extended opposite the heating surface; - Keep the heating means activated during a decontamination phase in moist heat lasting between 1 min and 30 minutes while maintaining in the enclosure a temperature between 70 ° C and 75 ° C;

- promote moisture evacuation by means of the moisture evacuation means during a drying phase in dry heat, keeping the heating means activated so as to maintain a temperature in the enclosure between 70 ° C. and 80 ° C.

[021] Thus, according to the principle of the invention, the device for decontaminating contaminated tissues can be designed and manufactured in reduced dimensions, adapted so that the enclosure can receive only a few units of personal protective equipment.

[022] In addition, the technical means used are of the current type, whether in their capacity, dimensions, power and acquisition cost. This makes it possible to manufacture and design decontamination devices that are technically and economically accessible to everyone.

[023] In particular, the heating means involve low electrical power, as will become clear below. The means of steam production are reduced to their simplest form, insofar as a simple medium impregnated with liquid (in this case water), placed in front of the heating surface can produce the expected steam. In addition, as is clear from the definition of the invention, the decontamination cycles of contaminated tissues are relatively short and can be managed individually, without special logistics. [024] It should be noted that the temperature ranges during the decontamination and drying phases are provided for:

- efficiently and quickly destroy bacteria or viruses (for information, a virus such as Covid19 is destroyed in about 1 min at 70 ° C);

- do not go beyond a temperature liable to degrade personal protective equipment, and in particular respiratory masks.

[025] It should be noted that the duration of drying in dry heat may vary as much as necessary, in particular as a function of the volume of the enclosure and of the humidity level present therein. [026] It should be noted that the device according to the invention makes it possible to locally generate a transient phase of humid air to saturation by the evaporation of a limited quantity of water over a large surface (surface of the humidified medium).

[027] The air losing its insulating properties when it is saturated with humidity, the rise in temperature is much better controlled than in unsaturated conditions with humidity, and makes it possible to obtain uniformly the temperature range required at the level. contaminated tissues to be decontaminated while the heating means can rise to higher temperatures on their surface.

[028] The thermal equilibrium obtained immediately by removing the insulating properties of the air made humid allows a very rapid rise in temperature without risk of deterioration of the materials of the fabrics to be decontaminated and of reducing the decontamination times.

[029] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, it is possible to carry out decontamination of personal protective equipment in a localized rather than centralized manner. In fact, each person carrying contaminated equipment can, in their personal environment, use the device according to the invention to decontaminate their contaminated tissues, as their personal protective equipment is renewed. Such an approach is therefore in opposition to a centralized management of decontamination, consisting in collecting, storing and processing large volumes of individual equipment that has been worn by a plurality of people.

[030] According to a preferred solution, the device incorporates at least one hygrometry probe and the electronic unit configured to regulate the heating means so as to maintain a hygrometry in the enclosure of between 50% and 100%. [031] In this way, the operating conditions of the device are optimized so as to be as close as possible to the pasteurization scales. Thus, in terms of setting, we will try as much as possible to approach a humidity of 100%.

[032] Depending on the fragility of the materials / fabrics to be treated and / or the shortening of the desired treatment phases and therefore of the drying phase, a humidity of 50% of the absolute humidity value at the desired temperatures is possible ( or the addition of 1 ml of water for 10 I of air treated at 70 ° C if there is no loss of the water vapor thus generated and approximately 0.6 ml at 60 ° C; values 10 to 20 times higher make it possible to increase the safety margins of the humid heat treatment phase for maximum efficiency of hygiene at the heart of the treated materials). [033] It should also be noted that the invention also makes it possible to aim at sterilization of the materials / tissues treated by repeating the cycles every 24 hours according to the principle of tyndallization.

[034] According to an advantageous solution, the device comprises at least a second temperature probe intended to measure the temperature of the heating surface, and the electronic unit is configured to regulate the heating means so as to maintain a temperature of the heating surface. heating surface less than 100 ° C.

[035] This ensures a level of safety with respect to the temperature of the heating surface, whether with respect to human contact or to preserve a tissue unexpectedly brought into contact with the surface. of heating.

[036] According to an advantageous solution, the device comprises at least one fan mounted inside the enclosure.

[037] Such a fan can be used for one and / or the other of the following functions:

- contribute to the homogenization of the humidity level in the enclosure; help promote moisture extraction.

[038] According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a measuring container for a humidifying liquid intended to humidify the medium, designed to dose 1 to 2 ml of humidification liquid per 1 liter of internal volume of the medium. pregnant.

[039] In this way, the user has an accessory to help dose the optimal amount of humidification liquid for a given capacity of the chamber. In fact, a quantity of liquid is needed adjusted to correspond to the pasteurization scales, this without producing an excess of steam which would then tend to increase the drying times in dry heat.

[040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least three visual indicators, among which:

- a first visual indicator activated during the damp heat decontamination phase,

- a second visual indicator activated during the drying phase in dry heat,

- a third visual indicator activated during a standby phase of the device. [041] In this way, the user is informed, by the various visual indicators, of the working phase (or standby) of the device. These visual indicators can be light indicators, such as leds.

[042] Of course, the device could, alternatively, be provided with a screen making it possible, for example, to display pasteurization parameters as well as the nature and duration of the operating phases.

[043] According to a first possible embodiment, the enclosure is rigid and extends from a bottom integrating the heating surface.

[044] As will be specified later, the device according to this embodiment can be offered in different sizes, ranging from a configuration similar to a box or a box for the smallest dimensions to a configuration similar to a box. cupboard, or even a cloakroom for larger dimensions.

[045] In any event, in this embodiment, the heating surface is at the level of the bottom to have a natural convection of the vapor from the bottom to the top, this being accompanied by a relatively homogeneous distribution of the vapor. steam in the enclosure.

[046] In this case, the device preferably comprises a booster intended to rest on the bottom, the booster having a perforated support surface on which the contaminated tissues are intended to rest.

[047] In this way, one avoids resting all or part of the contaminated tissues on the heating surface, which could degrade the tissues in the more or less long term. [048] According to this embodiment, the discharge means take the form of a hatch movably mounted on the enclosure between a closed position of the enclosure and an open position of the enclosure, the device comprising means for retaining the flap in the closed position movable between a retaining position for the flap and a releasing position for the flap, the electronic unit being configured to return the retaining means to the retaining position during the decontamination phase in moist heat and in the release position during the drying phase in dry heat.

[049] Thus, the electronic unit manages the sequence of the decontamination phase in moist heat and the drying phase in dry heat, this by ensuring that the decontamination phase in moist heat has come to an end before proceeding. during its drying phase in dry heat. [050] Indeed, the opening of the hatch is only made possible at the end of the decontamination phase in moist heat, the opening of said hatch corresponding to the beginning of the drying phase in dry heat by evacuation made possible through the hatch.

[051] As will be explained in more detail below, the opening of the hatch can be carried out manually or made automatic by appropriate means. [052] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device is portable.

[053] It is evident that the person who is provided with the device according to the invention can take him where it is necessary or possible to carry out the decontamination, in an individualized manner, of his personal protective equipment. [054] This being the case, the decontamination device as just described can also be offered in a version intended to be fixed, which can take the form of a cabinet or a cloakroom remaining permanently in a location. chosen (workplace and / or home).

[055] According to a second possible embodiment, the enclosure is flexible and takes the form of a cover of the costume cover type.

[056] Of course, it is understood that, according to this embodiment, the device is portable.

[057] Such a cover of the suit cover type can accommodate any type of personal protective equipment, and is more particularly dedicated to the hygienization of gown type equipment.

[058] According to a particular embodiment, the cover has an upper opening capable of allowing the passage of a hanger hook to allow the cover to be suspended.

[059] Alternatively, the cover can also be of a type in which it is fully closed and folded up on itself for transport.

[060] Advantageously, the electronic unit is configured to trigger the fan during the dry heat drying phase to promote the evacuation) of moisture through the opening.

[061] In this way, once the moist heat decontamination phase has come to an end, the electronic unit automatically triggers the moisture evacuation to pass into the dry heat drying phase.

[062] According to an advantageous solution, the cover has an internal wall having a channel for receiving a humidifying liquid and a means attachment of the media close to the channel so that a portion of the media can be accommodated in the channel.

[063] In this way, it is ensured that the media is placed opposite the heating surface and, on the other hand, that the media is moistened by the liquid contained in the channel. [064] Of course, it is also conceivable that the house is devoid of the channel for receiving the humidifying liquid, the media having to be humidified prior to its insertion and its installation in the cover, with a view to hygienization. tissues to be decontaminated.

[065] The subject of the invention is also a decontamination assembly comprising:

- the decontamination device;

- a medium suitable for being humidified; the decontamination device being designed to receive the media.

[066] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of two embodiments of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and of the appended drawings among which :

- Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a decontamination device for decontaminating contaminated tissue according to the invention, in a "box" or "box" version;

- Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a decontamination device for decontaminating contaminated tissue according to the invention, in a flexible cover version.

[067] As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, a decontamination device according to the invention, intended to decontaminate contaminated tissues, and in particular personal protective equipment such as respiratory masks, gowns, cuffs, but also shoes, bags, etc. consists of an enclosure 1 whose internal volume 10 is intended to accommodate personal protective equipment PPE, more generally contaminated tissues.

[068] This enclosure includes heating means 2, which may take the form of a heating resistor 2 extending in a coil over the surface of the bottom 11 of the enclosure.

[069] The heating means 2 are supplied electrically by any suitable means, such as an integrated battery (not shown) or a transformer (not shown). shown) connected to means of electrical connection to the mains, the current supplied being advantageously of the 12 V continuous type. Such a device can then also be electrically connected to a car outlet.

[070] The enclosure 1 further includes an electronic unit 3 connected to the heating means 2, the electronic unit being intended to control the heating means.

[071] The enclosure 1 also includes a first temperature probe 4, mounted on an internal wall of the enclosure and intended to measure the temperature therein. [072] According to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the enclosure is constituted by a rigid box and the internal wall of the enclosure formed by the bottom thereof constitutes the heating surface under which s' extend the heating means 2.

[073] In addition, the device is intended to be associated with at least one medium 5, for example a sheet of cellulose fiber (or any other impregnable fabric) capable of being humidified, this medium 5 being intended to be extended opposite of the heating surface 110 (that is to say the internal wall of the bottom of the enclosure).

[074] In practice, this medium 5, once moistened, is deposited and spread over the heating surface 110, the medium having dimensions corresponding essentially to the surface of the internal wall of the bottom.

[075] The device can be offered with the media, thus forming a decontamination assembly.

[076] The device can also be offered without the media which must then be obtained independently of the device.

[077] Furthermore, the device comprises means for evacuating moisture from the enclosure, these evacuation means may take different forms described in more detail below.

[078] Still according to the principle of the invention, the electronic unit 3 is configured for, successively:

- activate the heating means 2, until a temperature of between 55 ° C and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 75 ° C, is reached in enclosure 1, while the medium, in a humidified state, is extended opposite the heating surface 110;

- keep the heating means 2 activated during a decontamination phase in moist heat lasting between 1 minute and 30 minutes, while maintaining in the enclosure a temperature between 55 ° C and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 80 ° C;

- promoting moisture evacuation by means of the moisture evacuation means during a phase of drying in dry heat, this by keeping the heating means 2 activated so as to keep in the enclosure a temperature of between 55 ° C and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 75 ° C.

[079] The temperatures may be included in intermediate ranges, for example between 65 ° C and 80 ° C.

[080] According to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, and as mentioned previously, the enclosure takes the form of a rigid box, with a capacity for example of 1.5 liters (to accommodate three to four breathing masks) provided as an indication to supply the heating means with a power of 40 watts, which proves to be sufficient heating power even in a cold environment, to reach the decontamination temperature.

[081] Such a box is typically of the portable type, the device can however be sized to take a form similar to that of a cabinet or a cloakroom.

[082] According to the present embodiment, the device further comprises a booster 6 intended to rest on the bottom of the enclosure, this booster having a perforated support surface 60 on which the contaminated tissues are intended to rest. [083] The perforated support surface 60 can take the form of a mesh or honeycomb surface, its design being in any event designed to allow the vapor emerging from the medium 5 placed below the surface to diffuse through it. support 60.

[084] The booster can for example be provided with four legs making it possible to raise the support surface 60 to a height of 10 to 20 millimeters relative to the heating surface 110.

[085] According to a more advanced design, the booster can include a lower stage under the support surface 60, also perforated, and on which the medium 5 can be extended away from the heating surface, for example at a distance of. one millimeter.

[086] It is noted that the medium 5, made of cellulose fibers or of filter paper for example, is advantageous in that it constitutes a consumable which may be reused, and prevents scaling of the heating surface. In addition, the medium impregnated with liquid and heated by the heating surface allows the diffusion of vapor from its entire surface, ensuring good distribution of the vapor inside the enclosure. Preferably, the medium 5 is made of a material resistant to a temperature of 120 ° C.

[087] It should also be noted that this medium 5 is distinct from the contaminated tissue to be decontaminated.

[088] Alternatively, the heating surface can have a cross-type structure, avoiding pooling of water under the double effect of gravity and capillarity, this in a design making it possible to easily clean and descale the surface of the heater. heating.

[089] As regards the medium, it may, according to one possible variant, be multi-layered, with a hydrophilic layer and one or more hydrophobic layers. In this case, it is possible to ask directly:

- the hydrophilic layer itself the heating surface;

- PPE directly on the hydrophobic layer (s).

[090] It is noted that in such an embodiment, it is not necessary to use a booster as described above.

[091] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the enclosure is provided with a hatch 7 (or a cover) movably mounted on the enclosure between a closed position of the enclosure and a position of opening of the enclosure.

[092] Of course, during the use of the device, the hatch (or the cover) is brought into the closed position of the enclosure.

[093] In this context, the device further comprises retaining means 70 of the hatch 7 in the closed position of the latter, the retaining means being movable between a retaining position of the hatch and a release position of the hatch. hatch.

[094] These retaining means may take the form of an electromagnet, one or more springs being able to be interposed between the enclosure and the hatch, this or these springs tending to bring the hatch back to an open position, of such that, when the retaining means are in the hatch release position, the spring or springs tend to return the hatch to the open position. In addition, in such an embodiment, the electronic unit is then configured to bring the retaining means in the retained position during the moist heat decontamination phase and in the release position during the dry heat drying phase.

[095] Thus, at the end of the moist heat decontamination phase, the hatch opens automatically and allows moisture to escape into the internal volume of the enclosure. In other words, the assembly consisting of the trap door, the retaining means and the electronic unit controlling the retaining means constitute means of evacuating moisture from the enclosure.

[096] It is also conceivable to provide the device without the spring or springs, the opening of the hatch then being carried out manually, this when the retaining means are in the release position.

[097] Furthermore, the hatch 7 can be coated, on the side of its wall, facing the internal volume of the enclosure, with an insulating material 71, this to avoid a "cold surface" effect detrimental to the phase of. decontamination. Note that the other peripheral walls of the enclosure can also be coated, on the inside, with an insulating material.

[098] To avoid the "" cold surface "effect, it is also possible to heat, in addition to the bottom, the cover and the peripheral wall (s).

[099] In this embodiment, the electronic unit 3 can be mounted in the hatch 7, internal side thereof. In addition, the hatch 7, on its side facing the internal volume of the enclosure, can carry a fan 8 (or even several), intended to ensure the circulation of the air present in the enclosure during the decontamination phase in moist heat, i.e. when the flap is in the closed position.

[100] According to an alternative embodiment, the hatch 7 has one or more upper openings 12, each provided with a non-return valve and also, preferably, an air filter. In this case, at the start of the drying phase in dry heat, the electronic unit triggers the fan 8, the air flow "being sufficient to bring the non-return valve (s) to the open position and allow the air to pass through. air and steam. Note that the fan (s) are kept stopped in this configuration during the damp heat decontamination phase.

[101] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the enclosure 1 is flexible and takes the form of a suit cover type cover.

[102] Such a cover may have an upper opening 12. [103] According to a particular embodiment, this upper opening 12 is capable of allowing the passage of a hook C of a hanger, allowing, in a manner known per se, the suspension of the cover.

[104] Thus, advantageously, a gantry can be implemented to allow the suspension of several covers next to each other.

[105] Also, a collective cover surrounding a mobile gantry can be implemented to accommodate several personal protective equipment (or clothing to be decontaminated) suspended together in the same cover.

[106] Alternatively, the cover may be devoid of such an opening allowing the passage of the hook of a hanger, but still have an upper opening 12, a pivoting valve 120, for example, being movable between a closed position of this opening and a position of release of the opening.

[107] In this embodiment, the heating means 2 may take the form of a flexible plasticized film in which extends a heating resistance, the flexible plasticized film then constituting the heating surface. The latter is preferably dimensioned so as to extend over almost the entire height of an internal wall of the cover.

[108] Furthermore, the enclosure constituted by the cover includes, according to the principle of the invention, an electronic unit (not shown) and a first temperature probe (not shown) for measuring the temperature in the enclosure.

[109] The cover is designed to accommodate a medium suitable for being humidified and extended opposite the heating surface. The upper openings 12 constitute means for evacuating moisture from the enclosure (either freely if the opening is of the type allowing the passage of a hanger hook, or conditioned by the opening of a valve 120 as described previously), and the electronic unit is configured for, successively:

- activate the heating means until a temperature of between 55 ° C and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 75 ° C, is reached in the chamber, while the medium, in a humidified state, is extended in look at the heating surface;

- keep the heating means activated during a decontamination phase in moist heat lasting between 1 minute and 30 minutes while maintaining in the enclosure a temperature between 55 ° C and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 80 ° C; - promote moisture evacuation by means of the moisture evacuation means during a drying phase in dry heat, keeping the heating means activated so as to maintain a temperature in the chamber of between 55 ° C. and 90 ° C, and preferably between 70 ° C and 75 ° C.

[110] According to the present embodiment, the cover incorporates a channel 9 for receiving a humidifying liquid, the channel being carried by an internal wall of the cover, and extending near a lower end of the cover. the heating surface 110.

[111] In addition, the cover incorporates a hooking means 50, for hanging the media 5 near the channel 9 so that a portion 51, in this case a lower portion of the media 5, can be accommodated. in the channel and, moisten itself over its entire surface in the presence of a humidifying liquid in the channel.

[112] Furthermore, the cover incorporates a fan 8, near an upper opening in the cover. The electronic unit is then configured to trigger this fan 8 in the dry heat drying phase to promote the evacuation of moisture through the opening.

[113] According to a possible alternative, the cover incorporates a second fan 8 in the lower part of the cover, in the vicinity of a second opening 13 associated with a valve 120 of the type described above. This fan can be controlled by the electronic unit in a similar way to the one present in the upper part of the cover.

[114] In addition, during the decontamination phase in moist heat, the fans can also be triggered by the electronic unit to ensure circulation of the air present inside the enclosure formed by the cover (the valves 120 then being kept in the closed position of the openings).

[115] According to one or other of the embodiments which have just been described, the device may also have at least one of the following characteristics:

- it comprises at least a second temperature sensor 40, mounted on the heating surface 110, intended to measure the temperature thereof, the electronic unit being in this case configured to regulate the heating means 2 so as to maintain a temperature of the heating surface of less than 110 ° C (or even less than 100 ° C and even less than 95 ° C, or even less than 80 ° C, in the case of the enclosure constituted by a cover); - it incorporates at least one hygrometry probe 30 and in that the electronic unit is configured to regulate the heating means so as to maintain a hygrometry in the enclosure of between 50% and 100%

- the device has three visual indicators, for example LEDs of differentiated colors, among which a first visual indicator 100 activated during the decontamination phase in moist heat, a second visual indicator 101 activated during the drying phase in dry heat, and a third visual indicator 102 activated during a standby phase of the device,

- The device comprises a measuring container D, for dosing a humidifying liquid intended to humidify the medium 5, this measuring container being designed to dose 1 or 2 ml of humidification liquid for 1 liter of internal volume of the enclosure.

[116] Advantageously, the air in the enclosure is supplied and maintained at saturation with humidity for the decontamination phase. This is for example obtained in the range of 70 ° C to 75 ° C with approximately 200 to 250 grams of water per cubic meter, or 2 to 2.5 ml of water for 10 L of air.

[117] The device according to the invention allows only small volumes of water to be used to saturate the air with moisture during the decontamination phase.

[118] It should be noted that a version of the device according to the invention can be offered without the temperature probe (s). In this case, to check that the temperature in the enclosure has not exceeded 82 ° C (likely to degrade the PPE), it is possible to place a thermomechanical component in the enclosure, such as a polystyrene tube. hemolysis (conventionally useful in biology), coupled to an external pressurizing member of the tube such as a clothespin. If the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the tube softens and deforms under the effect of the clamp, which provides a visual indication of the temperature being exceeded.

[119] An example of the use of the device is described below.

[120] In this example, the device consists of an enclosure 1 whose internal volume 10 is designed to accommodate contaminated tissues such as FFP2 or surgical masks. The device can then be considered as forming a hygiene kit.

[121] The enclosure includes the heating means 2 which take the form of heating films integrated into the walls of the hygiene kit. [122] A medium 5, formed by a wipe, is moistened by soaking it with 1 ml of water. Once humidified, the media 5 is deposited on the heating surface 110.

[123] At least one mask to be decontaminated is then placed on the medium 5, or on a booster.

[124] A decontamination cycle can then be triggered using electronic unit 3.

[125] The electronic unit 3 activates the heating means 2, until a temperature of between 70 ° C and 75 ° C is reached in the chamber 1.

[126] As the air loses its insulating properties when it is saturated with humidity, the rise in temperature is much better controlled compared to an unhumidified state, and makes it possible to obtain uniformly the required temperature range at the level of the air. or masks to be decontaminated while the heating films can rise to temperatures of 95 ° C on their surface.

[127] The thermal equilibrium obtained immediately by removing the insulating properties of the air made humid allows a very rapid rise in temperature without risk of deterioration of the mask materials and to reduce decontamination times.

[128] It has been observed that, under these conditions, a peak at 75 ° C for one minute at the level of the mask to be decontaminated followed by maintaining above 70 ° C for more than 5 min makes it possible to obtain a decontamination as effective as those conventionally described at 70 ° C. for 1 hour in a liquid medium.

[129] Finally, a phase of drying in dry heat is carried out by promoting moisture evacuation by keeping the heating means 2 activated so as to maintain in the chamber 1 a temperature between 70 ° C and 75 ° C.

[130] The moisture evacuation means, formed by the open sides of the kit, allow automatic evacuation of humidity and therefore an automatic transition to the dry phase, the duration of which for the same configuration of the kit is determined by the quantity of liquid initially deposited on the wipe.

[131] The process described here makes it possible to obtain the benefit of "pasteurization" type decontamination with solids that cannot be treated in a liquid medium and in this case, in the example described above, protective masks. The limited quantity of liquid makes it possible to automatically end with a dry phase which provides immediately usable dry products at the outlet.

Claims

[Claim 1] Decontamination device intended to decontaminate contaminated tissues, in particular personal protective equipment (PPE), consisting of an enclosure (1) including:

- heating means (2),

- an electronic unit (3) for controlling the heating means (2),

- at least a first temperature probe (4) intended to measure the temperature in the enclosure (1), characterized in that at least one internal wall of the enclosure has a heating surface (110), the device being intended to be associated with at least one medium (5) capable of being humidified, the medium being intended to be extended facing the heating surface, and in that it comprises means for evacuating humidity from the enclosure (1), the electronic unit (3) being configured for, successively:

- activate the heating means (2) until a temperature of between 70 ° C and 75 ° C is reached in the enclosure (1), while the medium (5), in a humidified state, is extended opposite the heating surface (110);

- keep the heating means (2) activated during a damp heat decontamination phase lasting between 1 min and 30 minutes while maintaining in the enclosure (1) a temperature between 70 ° C and 75 ° C;

- promoting moisture evacuation by means of the moisture evacuation means during a drying phase in dry heat, by keeping the heating means (2) activated so as to keep in the enclosure (1) a temperature between 70 ° C and 75 ° C.

[Claim 2] Decontamination device according to claim 1, characterized in that it incorporates at least one hygrometry probe (30) and in that the electronic unit (3) is configured to regulate the heating means (2 ) so as to maintain a hygrometry in the enclosure (1) of between 50% and 100%.

[Claim 3] Decontamination device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises at least a second temperature probe (40) intended to measure the temperature of the heating surface (110), and in what the unit electronics (3) is configured to regulate the heating means (2) so as to maintain a temperature of the heating surface (110) below 110 ° C.

[Claim 4] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one fan (8) mounted inside the enclosure (1).

[Claim 5] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a metering container (D) of a humidifying liquid intended to humidify the medium (5), designed to dose 1 to 2 ml of humidification liquid for 1 I of internal volume of the chamber.

[Claim 6] A decontamination device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three visual indicators, among which:

- a first visual indicator (100) activated during the damp heat decontamination phase,

- a second visual indicator (101) activated during the drying phase in dry heat,

- a third visual indicator (102) activated during a standby phase of the device.

[Claim 7] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the enclosure (1) is rigid and extends from a bottom (11) integrating the heating surface (110 ).

[Claim 8] A decontamination device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a booster (6) intended to rest on the bottom (11), the booster (6) having a support surface (60) perforated on which the contaminated tissues are meant to rest.

[Claim 9] A decontamination device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evacuation means take the form of a hatch (7) movably mounted on the enclosure (1) between a closed position of the enclosure and an open position of the enclosure, the device comprising means (70) for retaining the flap in the closed position movable between a retaining position of the flap and a releasing position of the flap, the electronic unit ( 3) being configured to bring the retaining means (70) to the retaining position during the moist heat decontamination phase and to the release position during the dry heat drying phase.

[Claim 10] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is portable.

[Claim 11] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the enclosure (1) is flexible and takes the form of a suit cover type cover.

[Claim 12] A decontamination device according to claim 11 characterized in that the enclosure (1) has an upper opening (12) capable of allowing the passage of a hanger hook (C) to allow the suspension of the cover.

[Claim 13] Decontamination device according to claims 4 and 12, characterized in that the electronic unit (3) is set to trigger the fan during the drying phase in dry heat to promote moisture evacuation through the upper opening (12).

[Claim 14] A decontamination device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the cover has an internal wall having a channel (9) for receiving a humidifying liquid and a hooking means ( 50) of the media near the channel (9) so that a portion of the media can be accommodated in the channel (9).

[Claim 15] A decontamination assembly comprising: - a decontamination device according to any one of the preceding claims;

- a medium (5) capable of being humidified; the decontamination device being adapted to receive the media (5).