ES1288219U - Equipment for room sterilization and/or objects housed inside (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Equipment for sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed inside, is characterized by understanding: - a starting stage (a), after previously performing the corresponding preparation of the passenger compartment (200), - a disinfection step (b) by applying a ozoning cycle generated by an ozone generator (1) in high concentrations, until the required value according to each case, - a stage of ozone destruction (c) by applying a neutralization cycle or elimination of the ozone generated in the previous step, - a stage of ozone control (D), in which the correct elimination or not of the ozone was checked in the previous stage (c), and that in case of being negative, the process will be repeated, - and a deodorization step (e) by applying a deodorization cycle for the removal of residual odors result from the application of the application of the disinfection step (B), by means of air purification by filtration of it with active carbon. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR STERILIZATION OF ROOMS AND/OR OBJECTS

HOUSED IN ITS INTERIOR

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, refers to equipment for the sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed inside it that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail later.

The object of the present invention lies in a piece of equipment, by means of which a process is generated, in a closed compartment, that is executed cyclically, consecutively repeating the disinfection, neutralization and deodorization steps, each time a contamination is introduced. new load to sterilize. More specifically, the present invention relates to equipment for the sterilization of clothing or various accessories in short times through exposure to high concentrations of ozone and its subsequent neutralization, thus preserving the health of people exposed to ozone. .

The present invention refers to the equipment to carry out the disinfection, treating the articles with ozone through a cycle of exposure to it, to subsequently neutralize it using different elimination mechanisms that will be used depending on different resources or needs.

In particular, it is carried out on clothing, selected by way of example but not limitation: including pants, shirts, sweaters, coats, jackets, skirts, accessories such as gloves, hats, bags and any clothing or accessory that has been exposed to contamination. by bacteria, viruses or any type of pathogenic microorganism.

Likewise, the same equipment can be applied integrated in vehicles, airplanes or other means of transport that include closed rooms, as well as in hotels, shops, industries, as a disinfection service for luggage, rooms or common areas.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of sterilization equipment, systems, devices, and equipment, especially encompassing those that apply ozone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, ozone is a chemical compound that has been known for almost 200 years since it was discovered by Schonbein in 1840. It is known that it is a toxic substance in humans but that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties as well as exerting an air deodorizing effect. . It is one of the most powerful oxidants that exist given its high oxidation-reduction potential. Its disinfectant properties have enhanced its use in disinfection both in the form of gas and as a compound dissolved in water.

The main mode of disinfectant action of ozone consists of causing the alteration by oxidation of the components and disturbance of the transport systems of the cell membranes. This causes cell collapse and rupture, thus facilitating the uncontrolled release of intracellular components.

In addition to damaging cell membranes, ozone affects the genome cell inflicting irreversible damage to its DNA and RNA chains, as well as to the protein elements associated with them, avoiding the immunizing effect against its action. This property is of special interest for the inactivation of viral pathogens.

Compared to other disinfectants, its mode of action is faster and requires less contact time. This is evidenced, for example, with respect to chlorinated products, in data published by the WHO.

All disinfectants have advantages and disadvantages and all produce by-products. Byproducts generated from ozone that have been identified include: Formaldehyde and other aldehydes, carboxylic acids, hydrogen peroxide, bromate, bromomethanes, brominated acetic acids, and ketones. These by-products also turn out to be toxic to man. Various reference values have been recommended for bromates and formaldehydes. Ozone is the most efficient disinfectant for all types of microorganisms. Its disadvantages include the absence of residual disinfectant effect, high cost, as well as limited information on the nature and toxicity of its by-products. However, in some applications, the absence of a residual disinfectant effect can be more of a benefit than a disadvantage as there are no traces of the disinfectant left on the product to be disinfected. Preventively, it is necessary to use elements that absorb their potential by-products. Given the cost of ozone generation, its application is only viable in products of high economic value that justify its application.

The disinfection of public spaces, commercial premises, hospital rooms, etc., has been carried out for many years through sterilization with ozone gas.

This gas is formed by electrical discharges or ionization of the air by means of devices called ozonators, with various free-use technologies.

Ozone, O 3 , has an oxidation-reduction potential equal to 2.07 V compared to the value of 1.23 V that oxygen has, which means that ozone is an even stronger oxidant than oxygen, although relatively more stronger than hydrogen peroxide with a redox potential of 1.78 V. Ozone also has a much higher oxidizing power than hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with respective redox potentials of 0.95 and 0.94 V or chlorine. gas (Ch) with a redox potential of 1.36 V. The redox potential of ozone is exceeded by that of the hydroxyl radical (OH*), which reaches a value of 2.8 V.

The normal concentrations of sterilization of a place, suppose concentrations that vary in an enunciative but not limiting way, in a normal range of 0.1 ppm to 0.2 ppm (parts per million) of ozone gas, with different permanence times of several hours depending on the needs.

In addition, ozone has been widely used in the sterilization of drinking water, as well as medical equipment and instruments among a wide variety of various applications.

However, the problem of not being used in higher concentrations, which would decrease the exposure time, is the harmful effect that concentrations above 0.1 ppm cause to people and animals, even occasionally. There are limitations for people when breathing ozone gas, since this, as well as damaging the cellular components of microorganisms, also affects the cells of the lung mucous membranes of people, destroying them, so that in the Most legislation limits the concentration and hours of exposure of people to ozone.

All legislation sets limits to the time and concentrations to which a person can be exposed, one of these criteria is that of the agency for occupational safety and health in the United States, (OSHA) that has proposed MAC values for ozone, this value being the maximum concentration to which a person can be exposed during a given time; In the case of ozone, the MAC values are defined for an 8-hour workday and five days a week between 0.06 ppm and a MAC value of 0.3 ppm concentration for 15-minute exposures.

All of these values are much lower than those required for an effective sterilization of viruses and bacteria and in times shorter than, but not limited to, 15 minutes, obtaining a reduction in the concentration of microorganisms between 2 and 5 logarithmic reductions.

Traditionally in clothing and fashion stores, the garments that enter the fitting rooms are then placed directly on the racks again, where different people can try on the same garment in a matter of minutes, thus increasing the risk of contagion by microorganisms, viruses or bacteria due to contact of clothing with different people.

Currently there is no disinfection equipment that uses ozone, which can quickly disinfect clothes and utensils, without exposing people to ozone limits lower than those recommended by the WHO and the different international legislations.

Therefore, in view of what is known in the state of the art, it would be very It is interesting to develop a device with which rapid and effective disinfection can be carried out, as well as safe for exposed persons, which is precisely what is exposed in this invention.

On the other hand, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many legislations are requiring that these garments be sterilized before being made available to the public again.

The COVID virus, specifically its 2019-nCoV strain, is a pathogen belonging to the family called Coronaviridiae, which in turn is included in Group IV made up of single-stranded RNA viruses. It is a light virus, easily spread through the air, lacking an envelope (naked virus) that has a genome made up of large RNA chains with great ease of recombinant together with a high mutation rate. These characteristics contribute notably to its ease of propagation and the generation of new strains.

The capsid of the Covid 2019-nCoV virus, that is, the outer protein coat that gives it its name and that encloses its nucleus formed by the genome (RNA) and proteins associated with the RNA chain, acts as a protective element. One of the functions of the capsid is to protect the virus from adverse factors of the external environment. However, the RNA chain of the Covid 2019-nCoV is not particularly resistant to the action of disinfectants since the capsid does not have an additional protective outer shell made up of a membranous structure made up of lipids and glycoproteins.

COVID-19 spreads particularly easily through the air given its lightness, and can be deposited on surfaces near or far from people who carry the virus. Clothing and fashion accessories can be a vehicle for transmitting the virus, as they are he knows that it remains in full virulent activity for several hours or even days, depending on the nature of the surface.

Currently, businesses intend to remove clothing or accessories used in changing rooms for 24 to 48 hours, or even longer, to quarantine them, including steam sterilization if the garment allows it.

There is currently no equipment that performs cold and safe sterilization, without the addition of complex chemicals, of garments used in fitting rooms.

There are currently no devices or facilities that simultaneously combine the possibility of disinfection with high concentrations of ozone without resorting to its removal by ventilation to the outside environment of stores or warehouses.

There are currently no devices or facilities that allow the elimination without expulsion to the outside, not only of ozone, but of other potential elements derived from it that could be produced during the performance of its disinfectant function by contact, for example, with metals or organic elements. like skins.

The present invention solves this problem, so that a sterilization is carried out using ozone at high concentrations, which reduces the exposure time, and which does not involve exposure to this gas of the workers who use this equipment in stores or the general public. .

The present invention solves the problem of quickly and safely treating a garment or utensil, subjecting it to high concentrations of ozone, without the need for subsequent ventilation and that the ozone, as well as the possible elements derived from its disintegration, are eliminated in the same equipment, without contact of it with people or the rooms where the equipment is located.

The present invention solves the problem of ventilation installations in closed rooms for the elimination of ozone, as well as the possible elements derived from its disintegration, since the equipment eliminates or retains it after use.

The present invention solves the problems of clothing sterilization in fitting rooms of fashion stores, which can carry out clothing disinfection with it, quickly and without exposing people to ozone, as well as the possible elements derived from its disintegration, so they can be installed next to changing rooms, quickly releasing clothes, free of bacteria and viruses.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The equipment for sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed inside that the invention proposes, are configured as the ideal solution to the aforementioned objective, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish them conveniently collected in the final claims that accompany to this description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes consists of equipment that can be used in a cabin, such as a cabin, cabinet or airtight enclosure, whose outer enclosure can be manufactured with different materials and can also be presented in different formats, and can be portable. or be installed in the place of application, independently for, for example and by way of example but not limited to, installing in dressing rooms or integrated in other rooms, such as cars or airplanes, and that includes the devices and mechanisms necessary to carry out the sterilization process by applying the different work cycles on which its operation is based. These cycles are listed below:

- Disinfection cycle: Disinfection or sterilization, by applying ozone in high concentrations generated by an ozonator.

- Neutralization cycle: Neutralization or elimination of ozone, through various applied techniques that will be used depending on the available resources and the needs of each case. The applied neutralization techniques include, but are not limited to, catalytic neutralization, neutralization by activated carbon, chemical neutralization by reaction with various chlorinated compounds, neutralization by increasing temperature, as well as neutralization by ultraviolet light.

- Deodorization cycle: Elimination of possible residual odors after disinfection, by purifying the air by filtering it with activated carbon.

More specifically, each of said cycles is applied due to the following:

- Disinfection cycle.

The decomposition of ozone in water, according to L. Bautista (2012) in his doctoral thesis, is characterized by an initial phase where the ozone concentration decreases sharply followed by a second phase where the ozone concentration decreases with first order kinetics (Staehelin and Hoigné, 1982; Forni et al., 1982; Staehelin and Hoigné, 1985; Sehested et al., 1998). The mechanism and kinetics of decomposition of ozone in water consists of a complex process that depends on: pH, temperature, radicals formed, dissolved oxygen, presence of H 2 O 2 and/or metallic cations, among other factors (Gottschalk et al., 2000; Rodríguez, 2003). .

^{0 3} OH~ ^— kL^ HO¡ 02 A:, = (40 ± 2 )ATls (. Initiation )

HO¡ ^{+ 0 3 —} ^ O ;- H02 k 2 ^{= 2.2 •106M ”I5"}

HO' OH~ ^{oo ; - + h2o}

02 ⁺ 02 ^{----------> O3 +} 02 _{A3 = 1.6 -109M V}

O ^3- +OH'— ^{fe - > 02-} +H02 _{A5 = 6 - 109M V}

0 ;- OH'—k^O ,+ OH - _{it6 = 2.5 -109M V}

0,+OH ' ^— 1^ ^o 2+ ^ho 2 A7 = 3 - 109M V

CO¡- OH' ~ ^ OH ~ CO, ^{As = 4.2 - 108M V}

C02 ^{+ O , --------} Products ⁽ C02 ⁺ 0'2 or 2)

Main reactions produced in the decomposition of ozone in water (Langlais et al., 1991, taken from L. Bautista, 2012)

According to L. Bautista (2012), ozone applied to any substrate (M) can act through two mechanisms: direct (direct reaction between molecular ozone and the substrate) and indirect (indirect reaction through radical species generated by from the decomposition of ozone in water and the substrate).

The direct mechanism is favored in acid media and if there is the presence of free radical scavengers such as: CO 32-, HCO 3-, t-BuOH, etc.

The indirect mechanism is favored in alkaline media and if there is the presence of ultraviolet radiation (253.7nm), formic acid, H ² O ² , metallic cations (Mn+), etc.

- Neutralization cycle:

According to the bibliographic study carried out by the authors Todor Batakliev, et al. 2014, in the air, the catalytic decomposition of residual ozone is imperative since, from an environmental point of view, the release of ozone into the lower atmosphere has negative consequences. The release of ozone into the atmosphere near ground level is dangerous, in addition to polluting the air (Rakovsky et al., 2007; Heisig et al., 1997; Rakitskaya et al., 2001). The presence of ozone in the surroundings of the human being is highly toxic in concentrations above 0.1 mg.m-3 (Razumovskii et al., 1983; Brown et al., 2002).

A.- Decomposition of ozone by catalysis:

Noble metals and transition metal oxides have been shown to be the most active substances for the catalytic decomposition of ozone in air.

The ozone molecule is a single biradical whereas in the liquid phase it generally reacts as a dipolar ion. According to Thorp (1955) ozone detonation is observed from 105°C. According to (Kutsuna et al., 1994; Naydenov et al., 1995; Rakitskaya et al., 1994), ozone oxidizes: Manganese to [MnO] 4-; Halogen and metal oxides (ClO ² , Br ² O ⁵ ), ammonia to NH ⁴ NO ³ and Nitrogen to N ² O ⁵ .

Ozone decomposes rapidly on surface contact with metal oxides and metals such as Ag, Pt, Pd, Ru, Cu, W, etc.

The degree of catalytic activity of some of these metals and their oxides in the catalytic decomposition reaction of ozone are: Cu < CU 2 O <CuO; Ag < Ag 2 O <AgO; Ni < Ni 2 O 3 ; Fe < Fe 2 O 3 ; Au < Au 2 O 3 ; Pt < colloidal Pt.

The determination of the chemical composition, experimental conditions and catalytic activity of noble metals and oxides have been presented in numerous studies carried out by Japanese authors, published in patent literature: (Hata et al., 1988; Tchihara, 1988; Kobayashi et al., 1988; Terui et al., 1990; Terui et al., 1991; Oohachi et al., 1993; Kobayashi & Mitsui, 1988; Kuwabara & Fujita, 1991; Hata et al., 1987; Terui et al., 1990; Yoshimoto et al., 1990).

The high price of precious metals stimulates the use of metal oxide catalysts in compounds with a high specific contact surface such as Y-AhO 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 and carbon. In this sense, Therui in (1991) deposited the metals: Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn, Ag or their oxides in proportions with respect to their carrier from 0 to 60% (by weight). It also deposited Pt, Pd and Rh from 0 to 10% (by weight) and mixed oxides such as TiO 2 -SiO 2 ; TiO 2 -ZrO 2 and TiO 2 -SiO 2 -ZrO 2 supported on colloidal polyurethane with 400 m2.g-1 of specific surface. The catalysts were placed in reactor tubes and their measured catalytic activity, against the decomposition of ozone with a concentration of 0.2 ppm, was 99%.

The most widely used metal oxides, supported or unsupported, are the oxides of Mn, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Si, Ti, Zr, Ag and Al (Oyama, 2000; Einaga & Futamura, 2004; Tong et al. ., 2003; Konova et al., 2006; Stoyanova et al., 2006; Popovich et al., 1985; Popovich, 1988; Radhakrishnan et al., 2001; Zavadskii et al., 2002). It has been shown that transition metal oxides exhibited the highest catalytic activity in the decomposition of ozone (Imamura et al., 1991), particularly catalysis based on manganese oxide (Dhandapani & Oyama, 1997).

Oxides of Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Ag, Cu, Ce, Fe, V and Mo supported on y-Al2O3 on cordierite magnesium aluminosilicate foam (60 pores per cm and a geometry of 5.1 * 5.1 * 1.3 cm) have been prepared and tested in the ozone decomposition reaction (Dhandapani & Oyama, 1997). The experiments were carried out at a temperature of 313K (40°C), a linear speed of 0.7 ms-1, an inlet ozone concentration of 2 ppm, a relative humidity of 40% and a total gas flow of 1 800 cm3.s-1. The catalytic activity decreased with time and its measurements were taken only when the decomposition rate stabilized. After comparing the degree of ozone decomposition, they obtained the following conclusions about the catalytic activity of the tested oxides: MnO 2 (42%)> Co 3 O 4 (39%)> NiO (35%)> Fe 2 O 3 ( 24%)> Ag 2 O (21%)> Cr 2 O 3 (18%)> CeO 2 (11%)> MgO ( 8 %)> V 2 O 5 ( 8 %)> CuO (5%)> MoO3 (4%).

B.- Decomposition of ozone by Chlorine

Chlorine radicals, which, for example, can be formed in the stratosphere by the presence of chlorofluorocarbon compounds, make it possible to destroy ozone. The destruction mechanism can be described in two stages:

ClO» O2 Stage 1: Cl»

ClO»O 2

Cl» O2 Stage 2: Cl»

Cl» O2

Cl» O 3 - - ^ Cl» 2 O 2

The dilution of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in water forms radicals forms the free radical C k Chlorine dioxide is highly water soluble in cold water and does not hydrolyze, remaining as a dissolved gas.

C. - Neutralization by activated carbon

Both ozone and its decomposition elements in the air can be retained by activated carbon. The carbons used for gas adsorption have a high surface area, from 1000 to 2000 m2/g, together with a high capacity and selectivity in the retention of organic compounds. Its structure is of a graphitic nature, although more amorphous and disorderly than this one. In it, the presence of functional groups with heteroatoms, mainly carbonyls and carboxyls, which condition its chemical nature, has been detected. The pore volume is generally between 0.3 and 1 cm3/g (Pérez, P., González, E. and Miñana, A., 1993).

Among other substances, activated carbon allows the retention of halogenated compounds (I, Br, Cl, H and F) and non-polar compounds. In addition, it absorbs odours. For gas adsorption processes, the use of granulated activated carbon is used to facilitate the flow of the stream to be processed.

In general, compounds with high molecular weight, low vapor pressure/high boiling point and high refractive index are better adsorbed by activated carbon. The lower the temperature of the stream containing the elements to be retained, the better the adsorption capacity. Humidity negatively affects its adsorption capacity, the lower the humidity, the greater the adsorption capacity. Some compounds have been classified according to their probability of being efficiently adsorbed by activated carbon.

D. - Neutralization by application of heat.

Among the most widely used ways to decompose residual ozone in gaseous effluents is increasing the temperature (ozone decomposes completely at 300-350 °C for 2-4 seconds) or using appropriate catalysts (industrially, aluminum oxide is used with palladium and Cu/MnO 2 on aluminosilicate Quesada, J., Rubio, M., Gómez, D. (1998)."Ozone and its industrial applications”, Chemical Engineering, 231 237:

KINETIC STUDY OF THE CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF OZONE. Anna Roca Sanchez. FINAL WORK OF MASTER. Master in Sustainable Chemistry. 2015. POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA:

For the decomposition of ozone in the gas phase, the most used route is catalytic, because although ozone decomposes thermally, the process is slow and requires working at temperatures above 250°C. Roca, A., in his 2015 study on the catalytic decomposition of ozone, in order to obtain sufficient data to calculate the kinetic constants, carried out catalytic decomposition tests of ozone, modifying the reaction temperature between 20°C and 40°C. He observed that the catalytic conversion of ozone increases with temperature, showing that this is an important factor in the reaction. However, the conversion at 25°C and 30°C is very similar, this behavior being an exception to the general trend.

E.- Neutralization by UVA light

In the stratosphere, ozone acts as a protective filter by absorbing some of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. At the same time, however, UVA light neutralizes excess ozone.

Ozone, due to the action of solar radiation, dissociates into atomic and molecular oxygen. The generated atomic oxygen combines with ozone to produce molecular oxygen, which, together with that formed by the aforementioned dissociation, starts the cycle again.

- Deodorization cycle.

Once the neutralization phase has concluded, the last stage consists of deodorizing the air contained in the cabin or closed area, to eliminate any unpleasant odors that may have been generated due to the decomposition of ozone by-products, in short, gases generated from the reactions chemicals that are carried out for the neutralization of ozone.

Thus, the object of the invention refers to a piece of equipment, by means of which a process is generated, in a closed compartment, that is executed cyclically, consecutively repeating the steps of disinfection, neutralization and deodorization, each time that a new load to be sterilized is introduced.

To achieve the objective, an air current is generated by means of a fan with injected ozone, generated with the ozonator at the concentrations and exposure times necessary depending on the objective microorganism to be eliminated.

By detecting the concentration of ozone in the closed space thanks to a sensor for detecting this gas, its dosage is regulated by means of a closed control loop algorithm. Once the desired concentration of ozone is reached, it is maintained for the exposure time that is necessary and configured.

Once the exposure time has elapsed and once the load has been sterilized, the system advances one more stage, to enter the ozone neutralization phase, again, controlling with the ozone sensor and performing a closed control loop, the current is passed through. air drawn by the ventilation system through another circuit that contains the ozone neutralizing reactors, depending on the case: catalytic neutralization, neutralization by means of chlorinated compounds, by means of activated carbon, by means of an increase in temperature or by means of ultraviolet light.

Once the neutralization of the ozone contained in the air current that recirculates cyclically in the closed compartment has been carried out and having reached the minimum required concentration of ozone to consider the space as safe and free of it, this current is conducted through a third circuit, this time of deodorization to eliminate odors generated during the process.

The same procedure is applied during the third and final stage of the process, in this case recirculating the current through a third deodorization circuit by means of an activated carbon reactor that will adsorb residual odors contained in the circulating air.

These three cycles are carried out by recirculating the air current against a cabin or closed cabin that has particle filters at the entrance of the current to the cabin to eliminate solid particles dragged by the current, dust, fibers, etc. After filtering the air, the current is directed to a diffuser that generates a homogeneous flow so that it is distributed evenly throughout the passenger compartment, thus avoiding the generation of dead zones free of sterilizing action. In addition, the system has a fan that generates the air current, which, together with a mass flow meter in series, regulates the the necessary flow rate, by means of a closed control loop.

A heat exchanger regulates the air temperature to be able to adjust it to the temperature that favors the ideal conditions needed for the sterilization process in each case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, some drawings are attached to this specification, as an integral part of it, in which, by way of illustration and not limitation the following has been represented:

Figure number 1.- Shows a flow diagram of the cycles and main operating phases that comprise the method object of the invention;

Figure number 2.- Shows a schematic elevation view of an example of application of the equipment of the invention for application of sterilization, specifically an example where the compartment is a cabinet;

Figure number 3.- Shows a schematic elevation view of another application example of the equipment of the invention, in this case in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle;

Figure number 4.- Shows a schematic elevation view of another application example of the equipment of the invention, in this case as a portable set for use in rooms consisting of premises or hotel rooms; Y

Figure number 5.- Shows a schematic view of the use of the portable assembly shown in Figure 4 to apply the sterilization procedure in an aircraft through its air system.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the adopted numbering, it is possible to observe in them the cycles that are carried out in the device object of the invention and several non-limiting examples of embodiment of the equipment to carry out the sterilization, the which includes what is described in detail below.

Thus, according to figure 1, it can be seen how the sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed inside them is produced, which can be applied in very different rooms, such as cabinets for disinfecting clothes in stores, hotel rooms, etc. commercial premises, land or air vehicles, essentially includes the following:

- A start stage (A), after previously carrying out the corresponding preparation of the passenger compartment (200), that is:

- filling the compartment with the objects to be sterilized, for example clothes in the case of a changing room in a store,

- the closing of doors and windows, for example in the case of premises or hotel rooms,

- the parking and closing of doors and windows, for example in the case of a vehicle

- the stop and closure of the aircraft without passengers, for example in the case of aircraft.

- A disinfection stage (B) by applying an ozonation cycle generated by an ozone generator (1) in high concentrations, up to the necessary value according to each case.

- An ozone destruction stage (C) through the application of a cycle of neutralization or elimination of the ozone generated in the previous stage, which is applied, preferably but not limited to, by means of catalytic neutralization techniques, or by means of activated carbon, or chemical by reaction with various chlorinated compounds, by ultraviolet light or by increasing temperature.

- An ozone control stage (D), in which the correct elimination or not of the ozone carried out in the previous stage (C) is verified, and if it is negative, the process will be repeated.

- And a deodorization stage (E) by applying a deodorizing cycle for the elimination of residual odors resulting from the application of the disinfection stage (B), by purifying the air by filtering it with activated carbon.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a control stage (F) for the emission of the sterilization completion signal and the generation of traceability data is finally contemplated.

For their part, the main elements of the equipment (100) with which sterilization is carried out are essentially an ozone generator (1), a recirculation fan (2), a circuit of ducts (3) to deliver the fluids from the different devices inside the compartment (200), for example a cabinet (figure 2) or a dressing room or a vehicle (figure 3), an ozone destroyer (4), a probe (5) detector of concentration of ozone inside the passenger compartment, an activated carbon deodorizing filter (6), a dust and fiber particle filter (7), a microcontroller (8), a bypass valve (9) of the ozone destroyer (4), a diffuser (10) to distribute the flow inside the compartment (200), a communication module (11) of access to the Internet network and a reader of different codes such as, but not limited to, barcodes, QR codes, magnetic tags (12).

In addition, for example when the equipment is implemented as a portable set to sterilize rooms consisting of rooms or premises (figure 4), the aforementioned devices are incorporated into a structure or frame casing (300) and also also includes supply and return grilles ( 13), transport wheels (14), movement sensor or presence of people (15).

And, when the equipment is used to sterilize the passenger compartment of an aircraft (figure 5), it also comprises flexible conduits (16) to carry the fluid from the discharge and suction grilles (13) to the interior of the aircraft through its air conditioning system.

In any case, additionally, the equipment (100) of the invention may also comprise any of the elements listed below, although not all of them have been represented in the figures on the understanding that the expert will be able to locate them as they are known elements:

-Mass flow meter to control the recirculation flow.

-By-pass in the deodorizing filter (6).

-Another particle filter (7) in the diffuser (10).

-Cut-off valve at the outlet of the ozone generator (1).

-Cut-off valve at the outlet of the ozone destroyer (4).

-Active carbon deodorizing filter outlet cut-off valve (6). -Ultraviolet light inside the passenger compartment (200) to keep it disinfected when not in operation.

-Safety device (17) to prevent doors from opening in the presence of amounts of ozone above the exposure limit, which will be set depending on each legislation.

With all this, the operation of the equipment (100) will be as follows for each of the options described:

For when it is installed in a room (20) consisting of a store cabinet or changing room, as shown in figure 2:

- First, the store employee places the garments in the closet on hangers, scanning the code that can be read and generated using different technologies, including but not limited to: barcode, QR code, infrared, magnetic tags, etc. ...) (12) of each garment, stage (A).

- The cabinet air is conducted through the particle filter (7) and through the system's ducts it is first sent through the bypass valve (9) to the ozone generator (1).

- The ozonated air is distributed through the diffuser (10) and is distributed through the clothing or objects to be disinfected.

- Once the ozone probe (5) detects the concentration programmed in the microcontroller (8), the parameterized sterilization time begins for each type of target virus or bacteria, stage (B). Both the concentrations of ozone, as well as the exposure times of the microorganisms to it, will be different depending on the type of microorganism to be eliminated, as well as the number of microorganisms that may be present and the level of disinfection that is desired to be achieved. - Once the time preset in the software has elapsed, the ozone generator (1) stops, the position of the valve (9) changes and the air flow driven by the fan (2) is now directed towards the destroyer circuit ozone (4) and deodorizer (6).

- The next stage consists of neutralizing the ozone, stage (C), for which it is circulated through different neutralizing devices that will be used depending on the conditions or resources, so that the ozone decomposition, i.e. the ozone destroyer (4), neutralizer, or neutralization reactor can be based on 5 different technologies:

- Decomposition by catalysis.

- Decomposition by chlorine.

- Decomposition by activated carbon.

- Decomposition by ultraviolet light.

-Decomposition by temperature.

- This cycle ends when the ozone probe (5) detects the minimum concentration that is programmed, stage (D), and which will be below the minimum required by the safety laws in each country, and always below the values recommended by the World Health Organization.

- The last stage consists of deodorizing the air stream, since it may contain chemicals and/or eventual residual odors that may remain after the neutralization cycle, stage (E); For this, a filtering of the air current is carried out, making it circulate through activated carbon, ending after a while the cycle of the equipment.

-Once the cycle is finished, the system generates the individual traceability data for each garment, and sends them, through the communication module (11) to a database on a website, where they can be consulted by the end user at through a code (bars, QR, magnetic tag, etc...) (12) of the treated garment, stage (F).

In the case of a vehicle (figure 3), the equipment (100) is installed in the same way, but integrated into the vehicle's ventilation system. In this case, the control may or may not be integrated into its electronics, operating in the same way. same shape, but with the following start and end points.

-Start. With the vehicle parked and the doors closed, the motion sensors detect that the vehicle is empty of people, stage (A). The vehicle that has been programmed by the driver when parking this, The sterilization cycle begins, and it does not allow doors to be opened while it lasts.

- What is defined above is carried out in the disinfection (B), ozone destruction (C), control (D) and deodorization (E) stages.

- Finally, the vehicle allows the doors to be opened and issues a report on the dashboard, control stage (F).

- For safety reasons, the ozone generator (1) is disconnected from the power supply with occupants in the vehicle.

In the case of premises and hotel rooms, or other rooms, for example old vehicles that do not have the integrated device, such as buses, trains, etc., the equipment (100) is installed housed in a casing (300) as a portable assembly with wheels (14) (figure 4), with the following operating sequences.

-Home (A). The user places the portable equipment (100) in the room, premises or compartment to be disinfected and schedules its start-up. This starts when the motion sensor (15) detects that there is no presence of people, if during the sterilization cycle there is an inference of any person, it will stop and emit an acoustic alarm, which can be directed through the network. (11) to a checkpoint.

- What was previously defined is carried out in the disinfection (B), ozone destruction (C), control (D) and deodorization (E) stages.

- Finally, the team stops and sends the traceability data to the central control in the case of hotels, so that at the admission desk they will have the process information, stage (F).

In case there is no centralized control, the alarm can be sent to a mobile device.

Aircraft and special vehicles (figure 5)

For reasons of safety and integration of this equipment in the aircraft, the best way to use the equipment (100) is with a portable equipment, such as the one shown in Figure 4, located on the ground, which is connected through two conduits hose-type hoses (16) to the air conditioning ducts, with one going and one going back.

The operation will be the same as that of a portable device, but sending the signals to the company control post, and to the airport systems control.

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

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Claims (21)

1. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed inside, is characterized by comprising: - a start stage (A), after previously carrying out the corresponding preparation of the passenger compartment (200), - a disinfection stage (B) by applying an ozonation cycle generated by an ozone generator (1) in high concentrations, up to the necessary value according to each case, - an ozone destruction stage (C) by applying a cycle of neutralization or elimination of the ozone generated in the previous stage, - an ozone control stage (D), in which the correct elimination or not of the ozone carried out in the previous stage (C) is verified, and if it is negative, the process will be repeated, - and a deodorization stage (E) by applying a deodorizing cycle to eliminate residual odors resulting from the application of the disinfection stage (B), by purifying the air by filtering it with activated carbon. 2. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the ozone destruction stage (C) the cycle of neutralization or elimination of the generated ozone is carried out by catalytic neutralization techniques . 3. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the stage of destruction of ozone (C) the cycle of neutralization or elimination of the ozone generated is carried out using activated carbon techniques. 4. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the ozone destruction stage (C) the cycle of neutralization or elimination of the ozone generated is carried out by means of chemical reaction techniques with various chlorinated compounds. 5. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the ozone destruction stage (C) the cycle of neutralization or elimination of the generated ozone is carried out by means of ultraviolet light techniques . 6. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control stage (F) of signal emission of completion of sterilization and generation of traceability data. 7. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to a procedure as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising an ozone generator (1), a recirculation fan (2), a conduit circuit (3) to deliver the fluids from the different devices to the interior of the passenger compartment (200), an ozone destroyer (4), a probe (5) detecting ozone concentration inside the passenger compartment, a deodorizing filter (6) of activated carbon, a particle filter (7) of dust and fibers, a microcontroller (8), a diversion valve (9) of the ozone destroyer (4). 8. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to claim 7, characterized by comprising a communication module (11) for Internet network access and a code reader (Bars, QR, tag) (12). 9. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by comprising a diffuser (10) to distribute the flow within the room (200). 10. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized by comprising the devices incorporated in a casing (300) with supply and return grilles (13) 11. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to claim 10, characterized by comprising transport wheels (14). 12. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by comprising motion sensor or presence of people (15). 13. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized by comprising flexible conduits (16) to carry the fluid from the discharge and suction grids (13) to the interior of an aircraft through its air conditioning system. 14. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 13, characterized by comprising mass flow meter to control the recirculation flow. 15. Equipment for the sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 14, characterized by comprising a by-pass in the deodorizing filter (6). 16. Equipment for the sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed therein, according to claim 9, characterized by comprising another particle filter (7) in the diffuser (10). 17.

Equipment for the sterilization of rooms and/or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 16, characterized by comprising a cut-off valve at the outlet of the ozone generator (1). 18. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 17, characterized by comprising a shut-off valve at the outlet of the ozone destroyer (4). 19. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 18, characterized by comprising a cut-off valve at the outlet deodorizing filter (6) activated carbon. 20. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed inside, according to any of claims 7 to 19, characterized by comprising ultraviolet light inside the room (200) to keep it disinfected when it is not in operation. 21. - Equipment for sterilization of rooms and / or objects housed therein, according to any of claims 7 to 20, characterized by comprising a safety device (17) for opening doors.