ES2905658B2 - Pathogen capture and inactivation system - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Pathogen capture and inactivation system

Technical sector

The invention is part of the sector of fluid disinfection devices, mainly of air contaminated with pathogenic agents.

Background of the invention

Current individual and/or collective protection equipment (PPE) are systems based on filters or mechanical protection barriers that trap pathogenic biological agents. Although these are quite effective, the agents trapped in them are still active, causing a risk to people when they are handled in their maintenance and/or simply in their replacement.

There are many recent studies that state that healthcare workers are at high risk of infection due to their exposure to biological pathogens while caring for patients. For this reason, it is essential to use PPE and air purification systems to minimize this risk. Other studies have brought to light that certain pathogens are spread through the air we breathe, due to their property of dispersion through microdroplets, increasing the probability of contagion in closed places with little ventilation.

Many times to alleviate this high rate of infection, mainly in hospital environments and in closed and poorly ventilated places, actions such as maintaining the recommended safety distance between the patient and the healthcare provider or between people are not feasible in practice. For this reason, and as the main measure of individual and collective protection, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is chosen for health workers (glasses, screens, gloves or, specifically to avoid contagion through the respiratory tract, it is opted for type N95 or FFP2/FFP3 masks). In the case of other closed environments/places, the use of masks and gloves is chosen as a protection measure.

According to the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine and other studies derived from scientists and other international institutions, all practices called "health care facilities", such as: the use of nebulizers, endotracheal suction and intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nasogastric feeding and the use of high flows of oxygen, as well as mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive), are of special risk of transmission of pathogens, since they disperse the contaminated air in the form of aerosols throughout the environment.These institutions and studies recommend for these patient care practices, the use of PPE already mentioned, the installation of the infected patient in rooms with negative pressure and the use of masks with exhaled air filter for oxygen administration (not universally available in our environment). In the absence of them, it is recommended to use a surgical mask over the nasal glasses or the oxygen mask to limit the dispersion of biological pathogens and the adequate placement of filters in the apparatus or systems in such a way that they contain the pathogens at the source.

All these air capture systems for pathogenic biological agents, although they are very effective (capture efficiency greater than 99%), work as particle collectors, that is, they only trap the pathogens in the contact surface of the filter with the medium. contaminated. Depending on the nature of these pathogens they remain active in these filters hours, days or even longer. This fact carries with it a risk of contagion due to their handling and/or substitution, since the pathogens may still be active.

In other areas, not necessarily sanitary, there are other methods of inactivating pathogens in the environment or on surfaces, but they have certain limitations such as long deactivation times, the need to use them in unoccupied facilities and their low or null adaptability to variations in the type or pathogen load.

Among the different disclosed solutions, there are devices that, with different configurations, are capable of directly capturing the contaminated air exhaled by a patient and treating it by contact with a biocidal liquid (generally an oxidizing agent), complementing this treatment with other means of purification , such as the UV radiation used in the device for the sterilization of viruses in a gas CN2633291Y, the filtration, adsorption and/or ion exchange described in the solutions CN2607533Y and CN1449849A, or the treatment with ozone and heating by means of infrared radiation that is describe in CN2649085Y. Other solutions, such as the one disclosed in CN2629717Y, dispense with the use of biocidal liquids and carry out disinfection by physical means that includes irradiation with UV light. The device described in WO2019195217A1 also falls within this latter type of device, although it is basically conceived as a means of disinfection that can be integrated into the air conditioning system.

Explanation of the invention

The proposed invention discloses a system that allows the capture and inactivation of pathogenic biological agents in fluids (gases or liquids) by passing them through one or more modulable and configurable treatment zones.

This application provides a quantitative/qualitative technical leap to the known solutions shown above, since in addition to being a device capable of capturing pathogens, it solves the containment of the dispersion of pathogenic agents and their inactivation prior to handling, minimizing the risk of contagion and also, thanks to its modularity, the system allows its use as a test device to define the appropriate configuration for each case and its subsequent consolidation.

Its configuration options in different zones, steps, stages and/or a combination of them allow it to be adapted depending on the desired functionality. These functions include: the uptake of substances or organisms, the uptake and inactivation of pathogens, the uptake and inactivation of chemical substances, additives, humidification, increased residence time, turbulence and other processes that allow the passage or permanence of a fluid through the different stages contemplated in this document.

The system, in one of its simplest configurations, is capable of deactivating microorganisms with an efficiency of 99.99%, including SARS-Cov-2.

The configurable items are detailed below.

1. AREAS

1.1. Wet and Dry: The fluid to be treated, along its path through the device, encounters wet and dry areas. In wet areas, the fluid comes into contact with a liquid that can perform different functions, whether disinfection, inactivation, sealing, washing, fluid humidification or others described in this document.

1.2. Radiated and Non-Radiated: In radiated areas, the fluid is subjected to electromagnetic radiation, through natural and/or artificial lighting in any of the different spectra.

2. STEPS

The treatment of the fluid takes place during its passage through the interior of the device. The number of passages of the device coincides with the number of times the fluid travels the length of the device, differentiating between single-pass devices and multi-pass devices.

2.1. Concentric steps: Distributed one around the other. Their perimeter increases as they move away from the axis or interior point.

2.2. Steps in series: Arranged one after the other consecutively.

23. Parallel steps: They are developed in parallel, arranged one next to the other.

2.4. Combined steps: Combination of the previous ones.

3. STAGES

The system has multiple types of stages that can be installed in the different steps.

3.1. Concentric stages: Arranged one around the other. Their perimeter increases as they move away from the interior.

3.2. Serial stages: Arranged one after the other consecutively.

3.3. Parallel stages: They develop in parallel, distributed one next to the other.

3.4. Combined stages: Combination of the previous ones.

3.5. Single step stages: The stage is housed in a single step. For example, the tangential travel increase and single-pass bubble retention stages.

3.6. Multi-step stages : Stages shared between several steps, such as the stages of chemical treatment by biocidal liquid, housed at the end of one step and at the beginning of the next, or stages of increase in tangential travel and multi-step bubble retention.

3.7. Continuous section stages: The area of the section of the stage passage is constant throughout its course.

3.8. Variable section compression stages: The area of the fluid passage section decreases along the path of the stage.

3.9. Expansion variable section stages: The area of the fluid passage section increases as the stage is traversed.

3.10. Mixed variable section stages: Combination of the previous two.

3.11. Axial flow stages: The flow runs through the stage axially through parts designed for this purpose.

3.12. Radial flow stages: The flow runs through the stages radially through parts designed for it.

3.13. Tangential flow stages: The flow traverses the stage tangentially. For example, those made up of pieces of travel increase and tangential flow bubble retention.

3.14. Mixed flow stages: Combination of the above. For example: Helical stage or atomization stages.

3.15. Inertial stages: they maintain the flow direction of the previous stage.

3.16. Non-inertial stages: they force a change in the sense or direction of the flow, diverting it or even reversing it, thus favoring shock and turbulence.

3.17. Internal union stages: They link stages or steps to each other, serving as a union and/or increase in size. For example, stages made up of connecting portions of inner and outer passages or connecting portions of intermediate passages.

3.18. External union stages: They link different devices together.

3.19. Sealing stages: They serve as a connecting element between the different assembled elements, arranged in the form of gaskets or elastomeric plates.

3.20. Encapsulation stages: Lids, closures, outer covers and pressure elements that make up the barrier between the inside of the device and the outside.

3.21. Input stages: For the connection of the device with its air source or external atmosphere.

3.22. Output stages: For the connection of the device with the required output elements.

3.23. Air recirculation stages: They return all or part of the outlet air flow of a stage to its inlet or to a previous position.

3.24. Liquid recirculation stages: They allow the recirculation of the liquid to the liquid containment stage.

3.25. Filling stages: They provide access for filling the liquid used by the device to treat the fluid and block them during the process.

3.26. Purge and emptying stages: They provide the system with connections for emptying impurities and the liquid used by the device for treating the fluid and blocking them during the process.

3.27. Measurement and control stages: They provide the necessary accesses to the interior of the device, while serving as support for the instruments required for the capture, transmission and control of device parameters.

3.28. Pressure and vacuum stages: In these stages the pressure or vacuum generators are housed in the case of using dedicated generators, at the same time as they serve to connect them to the device, and can be inserted between stages, steps or devices.

3.29. Flow concentration stages: They serve to unify or channel multiple output flows from the previous stage into a single input flow from the next stage. In inverted position they act as flow dispersion stages.

3.30. Flow dispersion stages: They serve to distribute the single output flow of the previous stage in multiple input flows to the next stage. In the inverted position they act as flow concentration stages.

3.31. Combined connection stages: These are those stages that have more than one of the above functions. For example: Input, Output and filling stage.

3.32. Collection stages : Stages based on common collection materials housed inside it.

3.33. Condensation stages: They minimize the evaporation of the liquid used by the device to treat the fluid, through heat exchange with an external cold element or fluid through a surface, or through heat exchange with a lower temperature internal surface or liquid. In the internal case it can be by contact or by cross flow.

3.34. Liquid separator stage: It is used coupled to the outlet of the vacuum generator in a vacuum configuration at the outlet by means of an external generator, allowing the separated liquid to be reintroduced into the interior of the device. In configuration with pressure generator at the inlet, it is connected directly to the outlet of the device. Liquid separation is carried out through the use of separator vessels located inside the device, with a floatation element at the bottom that rises when the liquid level rises, overcoming the internal vacuum and allowing the return of liquid. This function can be performed using external liquid separators, connected to the outlet and with the return to the filling stage.

3.35. Foam retaining stages: The device has foam retaining stages, which allow its formation to be controlled to minimize the loss of the liquid used by the device for fluid treatment. By adjusting its position, the height of the foam column can be controlled, which is favorable for the treatment by increasing the air-liquid contact surface.

3.36. Stroke increase stages: In order to increase the residence time of the fluid inside the device, as well as the air-liquid contact surface, the device has path increase stages that allow it to considerably multiply the length of the flow lines. flow through it. In the configurations shown, the length of travel increases approximately 3 times the diameter for each step of travel increase.

3.37. Bubble retention stages: The device has stages that retain air bubbles inside the liquid, reducing the thickness of the air film and thus increasing the air-liquid contact surface, by creating chambers inside. For this function they use barriers at the exit that serve as containment.

3.38. Atomization stages: These stages contain inside polyester microfibers, or other similar materials, which produce the atomization of air bubbles as they pass. Thanks to its breathable property and its ability not to absorb liquids, it creates microchannels for bubbles to pass through. By decreasing their size, they increase the air-liquid contact surface.

3.39. Liquid-containing stages: Stages that contain the liquid from the wet zone, to be used in said stage and in subsequent ones, retaining it and allowing air to pass through it, either for humidification, gas washing or liquid sealing, dosing or other treatments that require air-liquid contact. The device allows fluid to pass through the liquid-containing stage by bubbling if it contains only liquid, by atomization if it contains a submerged atomizing stage, or by a combination of both if the liquid level exceeds the atomizing stage.

The device has stages that share the liquid with other stages (multi-pass stages).

3.40. Electromagnetic radiation generating stages: These are the stages responsible for generating electromagnetic radiation to project it in the air flow. UV-C ultraviolet light is preferably used given its ability to deactivate microorganisms.

3.41. Electromagnetic radiation channeling stages: The system is based on the conductive capacity of the methacrylate to make the ultraviolet UV-C radiation affect the fluid in each of the micro-perforations, as well as in the inlet and outlet of the fluid.

3.42. Stages of chemical treatment with biocidal liquid: With similar characteristics to the "Liquid container stages", described above, they are stages that contain the liquid from the wet zone (biocidal agent in liquid format that allows air disinfection. For example: Water, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide or other oxidants or commercial biocidal agents) to be used in said stage and in subsequent ones, retaining it and allowing air to pass through it, either for the aforementioned disinfection or for additivation or other chemical treatment operations that require air-liquid contact As in the previous case, the device has stages that share the liquid with other steps (multi-pass stages) and allow the fluid to pass through the stage liquid-containing by bubbling if it contains only liquid, by atomization if it contains a submerged atomizing stage, or by a combination of both if the liquid level exceeds the atomizing stage.

3.43. Stages of chemical treatment with biocidal solids: The device allows studying the behavior of the different biocidal solids through these stages. Preferably, these stages contain copper and allow the increase of the contact surface of the fluid with it, thus taking advantage of its biocidal capacity.

B) DEVICE CONFIGURATIONS

The versatility of the system is due to the variability of the zones, steps and stages that it has, being possible to make multiple configurations of the device to perform the functions described above or a combination of them, detailing the different configurations below. .

1.1. Devices in dry configuration: There is no liquid inside. The treatment of the fluid with electromagnetic radiation and/or solid biocides, the capture functions, as well as the rest of the previously described functions not designed for liquids, predominate.

1.2. Wet Configuration Devices: The device is filled with liquid for fluid treatment.

1.3. Device in radiated configuration: In this configuration, the device contains electromagnetic radiation generating stages, either of direct incidence to the fluid or guided light if it contemplates electromagnetic radiation channeling stages.

1.4. Devices in non-radiated configuration: The device does not include electromagnetic radiation.

1.5. Devices in multizone configuration: In this configuration, the previous zones coexist or are combined, through the distribution of independent zones and/or mixed zones.

1.6. Devices in concentric steps configuration: Through the use of concentric steps described above, it is possible to minimize the dimensions of the device and the available surface for communication between steps is increased.

1.7. Devices in configuration of passages in series: Through the use of passages in series described above, the distance traveled by the fluid is increased, keeping the section of passage constant in the case of equal passages.

1.8. Devices in parallel passage configuration: Through this configuration, the passage section is increased, keeping the distance traveled by the fluid constant in the case of equal passages.

1.9. Devices in combined passage configuration: They combine passages in series and in parallel, increasing the passage section and the distance traveled by the fluid.

1.10. Device in fixed stage configuration: The position of the stages is unique and immovable, assembled by means of a permanent fixing element. They are designed for a specific function.

1.11. Devices in mobile stage configuration: Configuration through sealing stages and encapsulation stages that allow translation, rotation, inversion and/or exchange to the rest of the stages. For example, the system configures multi-pass bubble retention and travel increment stages in configurable square portions.

1.12. Variable function stage configuration devices: In this configuration, stages are used that have replaceable parts inside them that define them. Useful for efficiency tests of fluid treatment elements.

1.12.1. Variable treatment: They allow the addition or removal of atomizing, filtering or any other material with a different composition, modifying the use for which they are configured. For example, the carrier stages of interchangeable atomizer elements.

1.12.2. Variable area: Possibility of variation of the fluid passage area through the stage. For example, the steps for increasing the axial travel that allow the volume of biocidal liquid or other elements to be increased.

1.12.3. Variable path: Possibility of increasing the length of the flow path inside the stage. The device, to generate the flow that passes through it, may be configured passively or actively using or not the pressure stages or the vacuum stages.

1.13. Devices in passive configuration: In this configuration, the fluid enters the device by its own means and travels through it to its exit without additional energy input.

1.13.1. Passive configuration for liquid column pressure control: The device is configured with liquid-containing stages and its level is regulated to create a controlled positive pressure at the inlet.

1.14. Devices in active configuration: The device uses its pressure or vacuum stages or other external sources of pressure or vacuum to allow flow through it.

1.14.1. Active configuration with vacuum generation at the outlet: The energy contribution is made by creating a depression or relative negative pressure that allows flow through the device. This configuration avoids the existence of pressure generators at the inlet, and the device itself can serve as a separator or insulation between the inlet (in the preferred configuration: connection to air exhaled by a patient) and the vacuum generator (Figure 15).

In this configuration, the device can be coupled to different sources of vacuum generation. In the case of hospital environments, we have, for example, a laboratory vacuum pump, a secretion aspirator, a hospital vacuum network, a dedicated vacuum pump or a Venturi vacuum generator.

The exhaled air inlet (63) is configured with a reservoir (64) that stabilizes the pressure by fluid accumulation for subsequent treatment; a non-return valve (65) that prevents the generation of a vacuum at the inlet by introducing ambient air into the system (this has the advantage that the device works continuously, treating the ambient air when it is not treating the exhaled air); a safety valve (66) that in case of overpressure opens towards a conventional filter (67) (only in case of emergency and as an exhaust valve). Air is circulated through the device by generating a vacuum at outlet (68).

Through this configuration, a vacuum is created inside the device which, in the event of an insulation failure, prevents the possibility of leaks to the outside.

1.14.2. Active configuration with pressure generation at the inlet: In this configuration (Figure 15, replacing the vacuum at the outlet with a pressure generator inserted between the device inlet and the safety valve outlet (66)), a pressure generator at the The inlet of the device circulates air from the exhaled air inlet (63) to the outlet (68) of the system.

As in the previous case, the system has a reservoir (64) that stabilizes the pressure due to the accumulation of fluid for subsequent treatment; a non-return valve (65) that prevents the generation of vacuum at the inlet by introducing air into the system and a safety valve (66) that in case of overpressure opens towards a conventional filter (67).

In this case, the existence of vacuum generators at the outlet is avoided, and the device can serve as a separator or insulation between the outlet and the pressure generator (for example: connection for inlet air humidification to an air supply fan to patient).

In this configuration the device can be coupled to different pressure generating sources. For example, fans, pumps, compressors, compressed air network, etc.

1.15. Devices in feedback configuration: This configuration uses the recirculation stages to return part or all of the treated outlet fluid to the inlet, passing through the device more than once. It allows the most effective treatment of a continuous flow or the closed cycle treatment of a specific volume of fluid.

1.16. Devices in series system configuration: The output of one device is connected to the input of the next one, expanding it, thus increasing the length and/or residence time of the system.

1.17. Devices in parallel system configuration: The devices are connected input to input and output to output, increasing the capacity and/or volume that the system is capable of treating at the same time.

1.18. Devices in bench system configuration: This configuration is a combination of the two previous ones and allows to create a matrix of serial-parallel devices for the uses that require it.

Material used for manufacturing

The proposed system has been made of methacrylate (electromagnetic radiation conductor and compatible with most products required in chemical treatment) but it can also be made of other materials such as copper (given its antibiotic properties).

For the interior of the treatment stages described above, commercial materials designed for the treatment of fluids or with physical, chemical or biological characteristics that serve this purpose will preferably be used. For example: Atomizers preferably made of porous materials or condensers preferably made of materials that absorb and conduct heat such as copper or aluminum.

The proposed invention has various advantages that propose it as a more suitable solution than those currently disclosed:

Inactivation of pathogens. The presented system, in addition to capturing pathogens, has the ability to deactivate them quickly and effectively, even in a continuous flow. This feature makes it a safe device when it comes to handling and maintenance in general for the collective or individual protection of people who may be in environments with risk of contamination. The system, in one of its simplest embodiments, with only 2 stages of travel increase arranged in a non-inertial configuration, is capable of deactivating microorganisms with an efficiency of 99.99%, including SARS-Cov-2.

Versatility. It is modular and configurable depending on the type of pathogens to be treated. Its adaptability allows us to analyze and determine the combination of the different types of stages or treatment areas so that the device meets our requirements, thus allowing us to determine the custom configuration necessary to perform a specific function and subsequently consolidate it. Given its adaptability, the device can be used both in fixed installations and in mobile or portable installations, depending on the size of the device required.

Security. It allows a safe configuration through the use of a reservoir and safety valves for pressure control, allowing for hospital uses the use of approved elements in direct contact with the patient and the possibility of using it as a barrier between patients and inactivating agents by means of a hydraulic seal and barrier with external elements. The pressure drop generated by the device can be null or configurable by means of known and standardized pressure regulating valves.

low production cost

Its application as a testing system compatible with multiple disinfectant agents.

Brief 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, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Next:

Figure 1.- Exploded view of the system in its preferred configuration, made up of nineteen single-step stages of travel increase and bubble retention, made up of an external cylinder (1) three concentric cylinders (2, 3, 4) with passage holes (5 ), an upper cover (6) with an internal inlet and filling hole (7), another outlet (8) and an external filling hole (9), a lower support and encapsulation cover (10) with a drain hole internal (11) and another external emptying (12), nineteen stages of travel increase and bubble retention (13), an internal atomization stage (14) submerged in a stage of chemical treatment by internal biocidal liquid (15) and an external atomization stage (16) immersed in an external biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (17), the whole arranged for use with an external vacuum or pressure generator.

Figure 2.- Assembled and section view of the system in its preferred configuration.

Figure 3.- Exploded view of the system in the second embodiment shown. It consists of nine mobile stages for increasing the travel and retaining the multi-pass bubble in configurable square portions, forming four concentric cylindrical passages inside and consisting of a lower support, emptying and encapsulating stage, with internal (20) and external emptying holes. (21) formed by a lower cover portion (22), a lower union stage of passages with passage holes (23) communicating the internal cylindrical passages and the external cylindrical passages, formed by three union portions of internal and external passages (25), an axial travel increase stage to increase the volume of biocidal liquid and the atomizer element of the internal atomization stage (26) immersed in a stage of chemical treatment by internal biocidal liquid (27) and of the stage of external atomization (28) submerged in a stage of chemical treatment by external biocidal liquid (29), formed by the two portions s of increase in axial travel lower than the four contemplated (30), nine stages of increase in travel and bubble retention in each of the three outer passages, formed by ten portions of increase in travel and bubble retention (31) in alternate position a stage of retention of foam, formed by the two upper portions of increase in axial travel of the four contemplated (30); an upper stage of union of passages with passage holes (23) communicating the intermediate cylindrical passages, formed by three connecting portions of intermediate passages (33), and an upper stage of encapsulation and connection with an entry and filling hole (34 ) and another outlet (35), formed by a portion of the upper cover (36) assembled as a whole by means of a union and containment joint for the lower cover (37) and twenty joints of union and containment of portions (38), The assembly is ready for assembly by means of four threaded rods and nuts to be placed in the holes for this purpose (39) made in all the portions, covers and joints, and with the option of limiting the position by using cylindrical stops to be placed in the intended holes. for this purpose in all the portions and lids (40), the whole arranged for use with an external vacuum or pressure generator.

Figure 4.- Top plan, elevation, isometric and section views of the system described in figure 3. It corresponds to the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5.- Plan, elevation and section views of the lower cover (22) to form a support, emptying and encapsulation stage in a multi-step stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with internal (20) and external emptying holes (21), with four holes for assembly (39) by means of four threaded rods and nuts and with the option of limiting position by using cylindrical stops to be placed in the four holes intended for this purpose (40).

Figure 6.- Plan and isometric views of a connecting portion of internal and external passages (25) to form joining stages between internal cylindrical passages (41 and 42) and between external cylindrical passages (43 and 44) by means of passage holes (23), in a multi-step stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 7.- Plan and isometric views of a portion for increasing the axial travel to form biocidal liquid carrier stages or other elements and stages for increasing the axial travel of steps (41, 42, 43 and 44), in a system in configuration of multi-step stages in configurable square portions, with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40). This figure shows radios with passage holes (23) for communication between cameras of the same passage.

Figure 8.- Plan and isometric views of a radial flow multi-pass tangential path increase portion, with four passes and path increase in the three outer passages, to form non-inertial bubble retention and tangential path increase stages, by means of several of these portions placed alternately, reversing the position in the odd ones (31), in a multi-pass stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with a complete hole in the internal passage (46) and passage zones (47, 48 and 49) and blind areas (50, 51 and 52) in the following steps, with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 9.- Plan, elevation and isometric views of a connecting portion of intermediate passages (33) to form joining stages between intermediate cylindrical passages (42 and 43) by means of passage holes (23), in a system in configuration of multi-pass stages (41, 42, 43 and 44) in configurable square portions, with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 10.- Plan and isometric views of a portion of the containment cover and input and output connection (36), to form an encapsulation and connection stage in a multi-pass stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with a hole input and filling (34) and another output (35), with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40). The option of increasing the connections through additional holes is contemplated.

Figure 11.- Plan and isometric views of a gasket (37) for a lower cover (22) to form sealing stages for the emptying and encapsulation stage in a multi-step stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with through hole ( 53) for the internal emptying hole (20) and with a through hole (54) for the external emptying hole (21), with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 12.- Plan and isometric views of a gasket (38) to form four-step portion sealing stages (41, 42, 43 and 44), in a multi-step stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with gaps for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 13.- Plan, elevation and detail views of nineteen stages of travel increase and single-pass bubble retention formed by twenty pieces of tangential travel increase and two-step inertial bubble retention with travel increase in the outer passage in configuration inertial, with a complete hole (46) in the inner passage and a through hole (49) and a blind zone (52) in the outer passage, with a wall for changing the flow direction from tangential to axial (55) for communication between stages. The flow direction is maintained after the stage change.

Figure 14.- Elevation and plan views of seven stages of travel increase and bubble retention formed by means of inertial (Figure 13) and non-inertial two-stage pieces with increased travel in the step exterior, with a complete hole (46) in the interior passage and passage hole (49) and blind area (52) in the exterior passage, with a wall for changing the direction of flow from tangential to axial (55) for communication between stages. The flow direction is reversed after the stage change.

Figure 15.- Active configuration with vacuum generation at the outlet with exhaled air inlet (63), with a reservoir (64) that stabilizes the pressure by fluid accumulation for subsequent treatment, a non-return valve (65) that prevents the generation of vacuum at the inlet by introducing a safety valve (66) into the ambient air system, which in the event of overpressure opens towards a conventional filter (67). Air is circulated through the device (82) by generating a vacuum at the outlet (68).

This configuration can be modified by replacing the vacuum at the outlet with a pressure generator inserted between the inlet of the device and the outlet for the safety valve (66).

Figure 16.- Exploded view of the system of the third embodiment in concentric cylinders (83), two single-step stages of increase in travel and retention of non-inertial bubbles, with a channeling stage and generator of electromagnetic radiation in the upper part composed of a piece carrier (73) of UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (74) and a cover for carrier parts (72), with holes for passage of input (70) and output (71) ducts in both parts, the whole arranged for use with an external vacuum or pressure generator.

Figure 17.- Plan and isometric views of a piece carrying UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (74), fed through the connection slot (75) and with holes for the passage of ducts. input (70) and output (71).

Figure 18.- Plan and isometric views of a four-step tangential travel increase portion with travel increase in the three outer steps, carrying UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (77), for conform stages of increase of tangential travel and non-inertial bubble retention, channels and generators of radial electromagnetic radiation (Figure 19), by means of several of these portions placed alternately, in a multi-step stage configuration system in configurable square portions, with complete hole in the inner passage (46) and passage zones (47, 48 and 49) and blind zones (50, 51 and 52) in the following passages, with channeling stage and generator of radial electromagnetic radiation (78), with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 19.- Elevation and sectional views of the system shown in the fourth embodiment of the invention and configured in three stages of multi-step tangential path increase with channeling stage and generator of radial electromagnetic radiation (78) in configurable square portions, forming four steps concentric cylindrical inside and composed of a lower stage of support, emptying and encapsulation, with internal (20) and external (21) emptying holes formed by a lower cover portion (22); a lower connecting stage of passages with passage holes (23) connecting the internal cylindrical passages and the external cylindrical passages, formed by three connecting portions of internal and external passages (25); a stage for increasing the tangential path and bubble retention in each of the three outer passages, with a channeling stage and generating radial electromagnetic radiation (Figure 18), formed by three portions for increasing the path and bubble retention (31) in alternate position, with channeling stage and generator of radial electromagnetic radiation (78) and carrier of UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (77); an upper stage of union of passages with passage holes (23) communicating the intermediate cylindrical passages, formed by three connecting portions of intermediate passages (33), and an upper stage of encapsulation and connection with an entry and filling orifice and another same as the previous configurations, formed by a portion of the upper cover (36) assembled as a whole by means of a joint for union and containment for the lower cover (37) and nine joints for union and containment of portions (38), The assembly is ready for assembly by means of four threaded rods and nuts, as in previous configurations, and the whole is ready for use with an external vacuum or pressure generator.

Figure 20.- Plan and isometric views of a four-step axial travel increase portion carrying UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (79), to form stages of axial travel increase, channeling and generators of radial electromagnetic radiation (Figure 19 with variant of axial portion), through several of these portions in a Sanitation System in configuration of multi-step stages in configurable square portions, with full hole in all steps (41, 42, 43 and 44 ), with spokes with passage holes (23), with a channeling stage and generator of radial electromagnetic radiation, with holes for assembly like the previous portions (39 and 40).

Figure 21.- Plan and isometric views of a four-step tangential travel increase portion with travel increase in the three outer steps, to form tangential travel increase stages and inertial bubble retention, by means of several of these portions placed rotated with respect to the previous one (Figure 22), in a multistep stage configuration system in polygon portions with 16 configurable faces, with complete hole in the inner passage (46) and passage zones (47, 48 and 49) and blind zones (50, 51 and 52) in the following passages, with sixteen holes for assembly (39) by means of threaded rods and nuts and with position limitation option through the use of cylindrical stops to be placed in the sixteen possible holes intended for this purpose (40).

Figure 22.- Elevation and exploded views of the system shown in the last embodiment configured in three stages of multistep inertial tangential path increase in configurable 16-sided polygon portions, forming four concentric cylindrical steps inside and composed of: one stage lower support, emptying and encapsulation, with internal (20) and external (21) emptying holes formed by a lower cover portion (22), a lower step union of passages with passage holes communicating the internal cylindrical passages and the external cylindrical passages, formed by two connecting portions of internal and external passages (25); two stages of axial travel increase, lower and upper, to increase the volume of biocidal liquid, or neutralizing liquid, the volume of the atomizing element and the volume of foam retention, or the volume of the filter element in the case of dry configuration, formed by the 4 portions of axial travel increase (30); a tangential travel increase and inertial bubble retention stage in each of the three outer passages, formed by five portions of travel increase and bubble retention in 16-sided polygon portions (81) (Figure 21) in inertial position , a stage of superior union of passages with orifices of passage communicating the intermediate cylindrical passages, formed by two portions of union of intermediate passages (33) and an upper stage of encapsulation and connection with an entry and filling orifice (34) and another outlet (35), formed by a portion of the upper cover (36) assembled as a whole by means of a union and containment gasket for the lower cover (37) and thirteen union and containment gaskets for portions (38), the assembly is ready for assembly by means of threaded rods and nuts in the same way as previous configurations and all arranged for use with an external vacuum or pressure generator.

Embodiment of the invention

Due to its modular configuration, the device allows different pieces to be combined in order, orientation and type, so that the possible assembling embodiments using the designed pieces are multiple. Some of these possible embodiments are described below:

In the first embodiment of the invention or preferred embodiment (Figures 1 and 2), the system has 4 steps, 19 path increase stages, 2 atomization stages and 2 chemical treatment stages, assembled with concentric cylinders and circular crowns. In detail, the system comprises:

- An external cylinder (1).

- Three concentric cylinders (2, 3, 4) with through holes (5).

- An upper cover (6) with an inlet and inner filling hole (7), another outlet hole (8) and another outer filling hole (9).

- A lower support and encapsulation cover (10) with an internal emptying hole (11) and an external emptying hole (12).

- 19 stages of travel increase and inertial bubble retention (13).

- An internal atomization stage (14) immersed in a chemical treatment stage by internal biocidal liquid (15).

- An external atomization stage (16) immersed in an external biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (17).

This configuration is connected to a vacuum generator at the outlet (8), which creates a depression inside the device that causes the air to enter through the inlet (7) in a descending direction and, through the first passage (4 ), is led to the internal atomization stage (14) that disperses the fluid within the internal biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (15). The internal chemical treatment stage (15) continues upwards with the formation of foam along the second stage (3). The fluid then descends through the third passage (2), which leads it to the external atomization stage (16) which re-disperses the fluid in the external biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (17). In the last step (1), the length of the chemical treatment by liquid biocide is extended upwards, multiplying tangentially in the 19 stages of increase in travel and bubble retention (13), until reaching the outlet (8).

The internal chemical treatment liquid is filled through the inlet hole (7) and the external treatment liquid is filled through the external filling hole (8).

In this configuration it is possible to use a pressure generator at the inlet (7) to replace the vacuum generator at the outlet (8), in the event that it is not necessary to create a depression inside the device.

This configuration with only 2 stages of path increase arranged in a non-inertial configuration and using a commercial oxidizing liquid in its chemical treatment stages is capable of deactivating microorganisms with an efficiency of 99.99%.

In tests carried out with SARS-Co and after the first 30 seconds, the device is capable of deactivating microorganisms with an efficiency of 78%. After 1 minute of operation, the device is capable of inactivating 90% of microorganisms and after 1 minute and 45 seconds, the device has an efficiency of 99.9%.

The device operating in nominal regime is capable of deactivating the Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 with an efficiency of 99.9%.

In a second embodiment of the invention (Figures 3 and 4), the system has 4 steps, with Y non-inertial multi-step bubble retention and tangential travel increment stages for the 3 outer steps, 2 atomization stages and 2 atomization stages. chemical treatment, in configurable square portions and forming four concentric cylindrical steps inside. In detail, the system comprises:

- A lower cover (22) with internal (20) and external (21) emptying holes.

- Three connecting portions of internal and external passages (25), with passage holes (23) connecting the internal cylindrical passages and the external cylindrical passages.

- Four portions for increasing the axial travel (30), two lower ones to increase the volume of the atomization and chemical treatment stages and two upper ones to increase the volume of the foam retention stage.

- Ten portions of travel increase and bubble retention of four steps, with travel increase in the three outer steps (31) in staggered position and non-inertial configuration.

- An internal atomization stage (26) immersed in a chemical treatment stage by internal biocidal liquid (27).

- An external atomization stage (28) immersed in an external biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (29).

- Three connecting portions of intermediate passages (33), with passage holes (23) connecting the intermediate cylindrical passages.

- An upper cover (36) for encapsulation and connection with an inlet and filling hole (34) and another outlet hole (35).

- A union and containment gasket for the lower cover (37).

- Twenty joints of union and containment of portions (38).

This configuration is connected to a vacuum generator at the outlet (35), which creates a depression inside the device that causes the air to enter through the inlet (34) in a descending direction and, through the first passage (4 ), is conducted through the union stage of internal passages (25 and 23) to the internal atomization stage (26) that disperses the fluid within the internal biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (27). The chemical treatment stage by internal biocidal liquid (15) continues upwards with the formation of foam throughout the second step (3) and its stages of increase in axial (30) and tangential travel with bubble retention ( 31). Next, a change from the second passage (3) to the third passage (2) takes place through the intermediate passage junction stage (33) and the fluid descends through the third passage (2) and its increment stages. of axial (30) and tangential (31) paths that lead it to the external atomization stage (28) that disperses the fluid again in the external biocidal liquid chemical treatment stage (29).

In the last step (1), the length of the chemical treatment by biocidal liquid is again extended upwards, through its stages of increase in axial (30) and tangential travel with bubble retention (31), until reaching the output (35).

The internal chemical treatment liquid is filled through the inlet hole (34) and the external treatment liquid is filled through the outlet hole (35), making it possible to make new holes for these functions.

In this configuration it is possible to use a pressure generator at the inlet (34) to replace the vacuum generator at the outlet (35), in the event that it is not necessary to create a depression inside the device.

This configuration further increases the adaptability of the preferred configuration, through the design in portions and the assembly ready for assembly by means of four threaded rods and nuts to be placed in the holes for this purpose (39) made in all the portions, covers and joints. Once the positions required for the desired configuration have been defined, it allows limiting the position of the portions through the use of cylindrical stops to be placed in the holes intended for this purpose in all the portions and lids (40).

In the third embodiment (Figure 16), the system has 4 steps, 2 non-inertial path increase stages, 2 atomization stages and 2 chemical treatment stages and 1 channeling stage and generator of axial electromagnetic radiation, assembled with concentric cylinders. (83) and circular crowns.

This embodiment with concentric cylinders, in a configuration with two stages of increase in travel and non-inertial bubble retention, has:

- A carrier part (73) for UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (74), with holes for the passage of input (70) and output (71) ducts.

- A cover for carrier parts (72), with holes for the passage of inlet (70) and outlet (71) ducts.

This configuration is connected to a vacuum generator at the outlet (or pressure at the inlet), which works the same as in the previous embodiments described, making the air go through the entire device until its outlet, but this time, in all its Once the fluid has passed, it is treated with UV-C light provided by the channeling stage and generator of electromagnetic radiation (72 and 73), thus increasing the capacity to deactivate microorganisms.

In the fourth embodiment of the invention (Figure 19), the system has 4 steps, with 3 steps of internal connection of steps and 2 stages of increase of tangential travel and non-inertial multi-step bubble retention for the 3 outer steps, with step channeling and generating radial electromagnetic radiation (78) in configurable square portions and forming four concentric cylindrical steps inside. This configuration based on portions with increased travel by using three portions (Figure 18) of tangential travel increase and four-step bubble retention, with travel increase in the three outer steps (31) in staggered position and no configuration. inertial, this time with channeling stage and generator of radial electromagnetic radiation (78) and carrier of UV-C led strips channeled in the slots made for this purpose (77). This configuration is connected to a vacuum generator at the outlet (or pressure at the inlet), which works the same as in the previous embodiments described, making the air go through the entire device until its outlet, but on this occasion, the fluid is treated with UV-C light provided by the channeling stage and generator of electromagnetic radiation (78), thus increasing the ability to deactivate microorganisms.

This configuration allows it to be used dry, eliminating the stages of chemical treatment and spraying.

This configuration optimizes the size of the device while maintaining the number of stages of tangential travel increase and bubble retention of the preferred embodiment used in the tests and includes UV-C electromagnetic radiation.

It also allows replacing the portions of increased tangential path and bubble retention with UV-C (Figure 18) by portions of increased axial path with UV-C (Figure 20), increasing the volume of the capture, atomization and and treatment, or combination of the previous ones to house in them.

On the other hand, there is also the option of using non-UV bubble retention and tangential travel increment portions (Figure 8), as well as the option of using non-UV axial travel increment portions (Figure 7).

Figure 22 shows the fifth proposed embodiment in which the system has 4 steps, with 3 stages of interior union of steps, 1 stage of increase of tangential travel and inertial multi-step bubble retention for the 3 external steps and 2 stages of increase of multistep axial travel for the 4 steps, in square and polygon portions with 16 configurable faces and forming four concentric cylindrical steps inside.

This time with five portions of travel increase and bubble retention of four steps, with increased tangential travel in the three outer steps (81) in inertial and polygon configuration with 16 configurable faces (Figure 21), located between four portions axial travel increase (30), two lower ones to increase the volume of the capture or atomization and chemical treatment stages and two upper ones to increase the volume of foam retention, with an increase in the number of holes for assembly, in such a way that it allows the rotation of the portions of increase of tangential travel and bubble retention and of their joints.

As in previous embodiments described, the fluid runs through the device when connected to a vacuum generator at the outlet (or pressure at the inlet), which on this occasion does so inertially through the portions installed for this purpose.

This configuration optimizes the size of the device and allows the realization of a travel increase and inertial bubble retention configuration in assembled portions.

Claims (11)

1. Pathogen capture and inactivation system characterized by a series of configurable and modular elements such as zones, steps and stages through which the fluid passes through the system subjected to different physical and/or chemical treatments depending on its configuration. 2. System according to claim 1, where the zones can be wet, dry, radiated, non-radiated or combinations thereof. 3. System according to claim 2 in which the steps can be concentric, in series, in parallel or combined and be configured in stackable portions or sections coupled to each other. 4. System according to claim 3, where the stages can be, among others, collection, condensation, separating or containing liquid, retaining foam, increasing travel, retaining bubbles, atomization, generating or channeling electromagnetic radiation, of chemical treatment and/or combinations thereof, located inside a container element, manufactured in a single piece or in stackable portions. 5. System according to claim 4 configured passively or in active configuration connected to a pressure generation source at the inlet and/or a vacuum generation source at the outlet. 6. System according to claim 5 comprising at least 1 step, a set of bubble retention and travel increase stages, atomization stages and chemical treatment stages assembled with concentric cylinders and circular crowns. 7. System according to claim 5, comprising at least 2 passages with stages of interior union of passages and different stages of increasing the tangential path and retaining the multi-pass bubble with channeling stage and generator of electromagnetic radiation. 8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, in which the system is applied to the capture and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled air of patients in hospital environments. 9. Use of the system according to claim 5 for the capture and inactivation of pathogens, in contaminated fluids from patients, whether they are the result of surgical operations or other procedures that generate them and/or the surrounding environment. 10. Use of the system according to claim 5 for the capture and inactivation of pathogens in air conditioning systems. 11. Use of the system according to claim 5 in environments, systems, facilities or conditioning processes, chemical or physical treatment of fluids or combinations thereof.