ES2907199B2 - Granular UV radiation protection group - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Granular UV radiation protection group

Object of the Invention and state of the art:

The UV majority wave electromagnetic radiation emitters have the ability to eliminate pathogens in the air; by applying a target radiation dose, which is achieved by adjusting the exposure time according to the power of the emitter. This is very useful in reducing the risk of pathogen transmission through the air, and also through surfaces, since any airborne pathogen can settle on a surface.

The amount of radiation that is effective against most pathogens is harmful to unprotected people. For this reason, it is necessary to locate the radiation emitters that act on the air, separated from people through a system of radiation-opaque ducts with variable direction. In this way, the rectilinear path of the radiation is obstructed and due to accumulated reflections the power of the emitter is absorbed to the necessary degree. The number of direction changes is directly related to the radiation emitter, which requires greater power, the smaller the space available for the radiation chamber.

This requires that there be sufficient space between the emitter and the air inlet or outlet. The larger the section of the duct, the greater the space required; since to obstruct the rectilinear path of the radiation flow, it is necessary that each change in direction have a length greater than the section of the duct. To reduce this space, the duct can be divided into several smaller ducts, all of them equipped with a system of planes that obstruct radiation while modifying the direction of the air.

According to the above, the complexity of the design and manufacturing clearly depends on the available space; and in buildings it is not common for there to be space provisions that allow this type of installations to be located without dimensional limitations.

A complement is proposed for an electromagnetic radiation emitting system with a majority UV wave, which when it is acting on the pathogens of a certain volume of air, allows the movement of that air to an area occupied by people without protection against radiation or in the direction reverse.

The accessory can be easily adapted to the power of any emitter, to any air flow, to the shape of any duct, it can even be located in changes of direction of ducts, and its space requirements are very small in relation to those of others. systems.

Utility of the Invention:

A person needs to introduce about 6 liters of air per minute into their lungs. It also needs to expel them into the environment, and it does so by incorporating the airborne pathogens it carries. These pathogens are dispersed through the air and deposited on the surfaces of the enclosure. The distance traveled depends on the nature of the pathogen and environmental conditions. It can vary from a few centimeters to several meters, and can be deposited on any type of surface, regardless of its position, floor, ceiling and wall; furniture legs, decoration elements, etc.

If the volume of the enclosure is large, and the person is there for a short time, the pathogens are dispersed in such a way that their concentration number in the air does not imply a high risk of transmission.

If the person remains in the room for a long time, the 6 liters per minute become 360 liters every hour. With each breath the concentration of pathogens in the air increases. The number of pathogens deposited on surfaces also increases and the distance reached is greater. With a high number of pathogens in the air and on the surfaces of the premises, the risk of transmission is very high.

A solution to this problem is the continuous renewal of air in the enclosure. To do this, air loaded with pathogens must be moved out of the enclosure and air not loaded with pathogens must be introduced into the enclosure.

This operation can be done directly if the enclosure is located in an environment in which there are no other nearby enclosures that also carry out continuous renewal of their air, since it can be assumed that the introduced air is not loaded with pathogens, and the extracted air is It can mix with the outside air so that the concentration of pathogens is not relevant.

On the contrary, if the enclosure is located in an environment in which there are other nearby enclosures that also continuously renew their air; interior patios, narrow streets, and in general built areas with a lot of built volume; or has an air displacement system with energy recovery by mixing or exchange, or shared with other rooms, the load of pathogens can be moved from one room to another.

In this second case, which is considered much more frequent in buildings intended mainly for human activity, it is necessary to reduce the load of pathogens from the air displaced inside and outside the premises, to prevent air ventilation from contributing to the spread of pathogens. .

UV majority wave electromagnetic radiation affects the genetic material of viruses, bacteria and fungi; modifying their chemical bonds between the two strands of DNA, in a way that inactivates them, preventing their subsequent reproduction, both outside and inside the infected beings. Likewise, it reduces the number of these beings that are found in the volume of air or on the surface where said radiation affects, having a clear utility in reducing the transmission of pathogens.

There are numerous studies that prove this usefulness, indicating the following as informative and non-exhaustive:

-Jensen MM. 1964. Inactivation of airborne viruses by ultraviolet irradiation. Appl. Microbiol.

12:418-420.

- Kowalski WJ, Bahnfleth WP, Witham DL, Severin BF, Whittam TS.2000. Math. modeling of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for air disinfection. Quant. Microbiol. 2:249 -270.

- Aerosol Susceptibility of Influenza Virus to UV-C Light. James J. McDevitt, to Stephen N.

Rudnick,a and Lewis J. Radonovichb. Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, Florida, USAb

Several factors influence the effectiveness of a UV radiation emitter, such as the different degrees of resistance to radiation of each pathogen, the relative humidity conditions of the air, the amount of particles in suspension; or air speed. According to these factors, it is necessary to apply a certain amount of radiation in a time shorter than the recovery time of the pathogens, so that their number is reduced.

It should be noted that the efficiency of the emitters is greater at low speeds - generally less than one meter per second - and that air duct networks for habitable areas are usually designed for minimum speeds at the exit points to areas. occupiable by people, so that these points are the optimal ones to locate the emitters, but they are also the points that are located closest to people.

This radiation also affects the genetic material of other living beings, and in the short term, a certain amount of radiation can cause damage to people's eyes and skin. The degree of affection depends on the amount of radiation and the wavelength, thus wavelengths close to UV-222nm minimize the harmful effects and those close to UV-254nm exacerbate them, but the latter are more effective in reduction in the number of pathogens.

Another important issue is that UV-100 wavelengths at 240 nm affect to a certain degree the oxygen O2 molecules in the air, transforming them into Ozone O3 molecules, which in a certain amount can be considered a pollutant of the air in the room. On the other hand, UV-240 to 315 wavelengths reverse the situation, transforming Ozone O3 molecules in the air into oxygen O2 molecules, which are necessary for the respiration of living beings.

According to the above, UV-254nm or nearby radiation emitters seem the most appropriate, but they need to be complemented with systems that allow the presence of people without protection against radiation.

A complement is proposed for a UV majority wave electromagnetic radiation emitting system; that when said emitter is acting on the pathogens of a certain volume of air, it allows the movement of that air to an area occupied by people without protection against radiation and in the opposite direction.

The complement can be located at one end of a duct system for air movement of one or more rooms, so that an emitter can act by eliminating pathogens in the air of a specific room.

This is possible, even if its network of ventilation ducts is shared with other enclosures; or it is located in an environment in which there are other nearby rooms that also carry out continuous air renewal; or they have an energy recovery system by mixing and/or air exchange. In all these cases, the pathogen load eliminated by the emitter is prevented from moving back to the same room, or from passing from one room to another.

It should be noted that the complement does not limit its function to the disinfection of the interior air of an enclosure, understood as the total elimination of the pathogens it contains; although it could be used for that purpose. Its usefulness lies in its ability to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens through the air that is introduced into an enclosure or that is expelled from an enclosure, by reducing the number of pathogens existing in the air displaced by direct application of UV radiation.

A simple system is used to manufacture the accessory, in which most of the elements are placed in the desired position due to the geometry of their shape; which can be easily adapted to the power of any emitter, to any air flow, to the shape of any duct; even in changes of direction of ducts, and with very small space requirements, in relation to those of other systems.

Description of the Invention:

It is located at (1) the end of an air displacement duct; understood as that point in the duct system from which the presence of unprotected people is considered possible. (2) It has a UV majority wave radiation emitting system that acts on the air entering or leaving the duct; (3) a granular group that allows the movement of air between its elements with changes in direction that prevent the straight propagation of radiation; (4) a confinement system to keep the position of said elements stable; which can be permanent or removed after applying a binder; (5) an envelope opaque to said radiation, its shape or orientation in space not being relevant, which covers the previous elements, placing them as an extension of the air duct, in such a way that the envelope and the granular group remain located between the radiation emitting system; and (6) the area occupied by unprotected people. Figure 1.

The elements that make up the granular group can have any shape and size; They are distributed over the entire surface that must be crossed by air but not by radiation, which they occupy at least two layers and without a maximum limit of layers. The points of contact between the convex envelopes of the elements of a layer create concave spaces that are occupied by the convex envelopes of the elements of the adjacent layer; Thus, the gaps in one layer mostly coincide with elements in another layer, so that the movement of air with changes in direction is allowed and the straight propagation of radiation is obstructed. Figure-2.

Since granular elements can have any shape and size, the following variants are included:

Variant E1: It is the main one, from which the others derive; In it, elements can have any shape and size. Figure-3.

Variant E2: The elements can have forms comparable to the mathematical equation of the quadric 1=((xA2)/aA2))+ ((yA2)/bA2))+ ((zA2)/cA2)); for any value of (a), (b) or (c), even for if (a=b=c) which is a sphere; and any size. Figure-4.

Variant E3: The elements can have forms comparable to the mathematical equation of the quadric 1=((xA2)/aA2))+ ((yA2)/bA2))+ ((zA2)/cA2)); for any value of (a), (b) or (c), even for if (a=b=c) which is a sphere; and they are all the same size. Figure-5.

Variant E4: The elements can have forms comparable to the mathematical equation of the quadric 1=((xA2)/aA2))+ ((yA2)/bA2))+ ((zA2)/cA2)); for any value of (a), (b) or (c), even for if (a=b=c) which is a sphere; They are all the same size and are placed in a geometrically ordered manner, with the gaps between three elements of a layer exactly coinciding with an element in the adjacent layer or layers. Figure-6 and Figure-7.

Variant E5: The elements can have forms comparable to the mathematical equation of the quadric 1=((xA2)/aA2))+ ((yA2)/bA2))+ ((zA2)/cA2)); for any value of (a), (b) or (c), even for if (a=b=c) which is a sphere; They are all the same size and are placed in a geometrically ordered manner, with the gaps between four elements of a layer exactly coinciding with an element in the adjacent layer or layers. Figure-6 and Figure-9.

Since the confinement system to keep the position of the granular group elements stable; which can be permanent or removed after applying a binder, the following variants are included:

Variant C1: It is the main one, from which the others derive. The confinement system is permeable to air but not to the elements, and always remains, keeping the elements in their position.

Variant C2: The confinement system is permeable to air but not to the elements, and contributes to the geometric distribution described in Variants E4 or E5; leaving gaps that coincide with the intended contact points between the elements of the adjacent layer; It always remains keeping the elements in their position. Figure-8 and Figure-10.

Variant C3: The confinement system is used to place the elements in the desired position, where they are fixed to each other using a binder, and subsequently removed.

Variant C4: The confinement system is used to place the elements in the desired position, and contributes to the geometric distribution described in Variants E4 or E5; leaving gaps that coincide with the intended contact points between the elements of the adjacent layer; where they are fixed to each other using a binder, and subsequently removed. Figure-8 and Figure-10.

Explanation of the Invention:

A UV majority wave electromagnetic radiation emitting system has the ability to eliminate pathogens in the air; by applying a target radiation dose, which is achieved by adjusting the exposure time according to the power of the emitter, but the amount of radiation that is effective against most pathogens is harmful to unprotected people

The proposed complement allows said emitter to act on pathogens in a certain volume of air, and that air can move to an area occupied by people without protection against radiation and in the opposite direction.

Given that the effectiveness of the emitter is variable depending on the speed of the air, being more effective at low speeds -generally less than one meter per second-, and that air duct networks for habitable areas are usually designed for minimum speeds in the ends occupied by people, the location at one end of the duct network will usually be optimal for the emitter.

The function of the envelope is to obstruct the radiation and conduct the air as it passes through the emitter, as an extension of the air duct, in such a way that the envelope and the granular group are located between the radiation emitting system. Additionally, it may have a larger section than the end of the duct in which it is installed, in order to reduce the speed if necessary to adjust the radiation exposure time.

The elements that make up the granular group can have any shape and size; They are distributed over the entire surface that must be crossed by air, but not by radiation. The points of contact between the convex envelopes of the elements of a layer create concave spaces that are occupied by the convex envelopes of the elements of the adjacent layer; Thus, the holes in one layer mostly coincide with elements in another layer. A three-dimensional network of air ducts is created, which through changes in direction obstructs the rectilinear path of the radiation and through accumulated reflections absorbs the radiation to the necessary degree. Since the number of direction changes is directly related to the number of element layers, if greater radiation absorption is required, more layers are simply added. Figure-11.

The elements of convex shape; ellipsoids or spheres; They offer less resistance to the passage of air, so their use improves the operation of the proposed complement. Figure-4.

With uniform granulometry of the elements, a higher void index is produced, so that the section of the air duct network is larger, and the operation of the proposed complement is improved. Figure-5.

Additionally, the uniform granulometry allows the elements to be easily arranged geometrically in each of the layers, forming a triangular or rectangular pattern, thus improving the functioning of the proposed complement. Figure-6, Figure-12 and Figure-13.

The confinement system can contribute to the geometric organization of the elements, forming guides for which it must have gaps identical to those generated between layers by the elements in the intended geometry. Figure-8 and Figure-10.

Finally, the group of equal and spherical elements is considered optimal, with a guide confinement system for geometry in a square pattern, since it has a vertical section of air ducts that varies from 21% to 35%, with changes in direction being rounded and favorable to air circulation. Figure-14.

Description of a practical embodiment of the invention:

The complement is located at the end of a duct on the roof of a 25x25cm enclosure, through which air is introduced at 2m/s; resulting in a flow rate of 450m3/h.

The current situation is taken as a reference, with a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) since March 2020, due to SARS-COV-2 that causes Covid-19; with risk of transmission through direct contact with pathogens on surfaces and according to a recent statement from July 2020, also with risk of transmission in closed spaces and with air recirculation.

Likewise, the aggravating hypothesis of a combination with an annual flu epidemic is considered, which requires more demanding treatment. As a reference, it is indicated that the flu virus is considered inactive after applying a light energy of 1.4mJ/cm2 in air, 3.6mJ/cm2 on the surface, and 4.7mJ/cm2 in liquid.

The Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 virus has a lower resistance, it is estimated to be deactivated with the liquid application of 3.7mJ/cm2. A target dose of 254nm UV radiation of 5mJ/cm2 in air is established.

A complement is proposed that corresponds to the variants described as E5-C2, with a 50x50cm steel sheet casing, which provides a section of 2500cm2 traveled at a speed of 0.55m/s.

The 252nm UVC emitter has a power of 25w, and is placed diagonally reinforced with 4 75% reflective surfaces. This system provides 95W UVC equivalent, which requires 0.36sec to apply a dose of 5mJ/cm2; resulting in a power at the air outlet of 11,000^W/cm2.

The presence of people for 8 hours limits the outdoor emission of radiation to 0.1 ^W/cm2; Therefore, 5 reflections are required with material that absorbs 90% and reflects 10%.

The free height of the enclosure is 250cm; and it cannot be reduced to less than 220cm by installing the accessory, which limits its length to 30cm.

A group of equal and spherical elements of 2cm diameter is used, with a confinement system of guides for geometry in a square pattern, organized in 6 layers, which provide 5 reflections, and occupy 8 cm.

This results in a radiant chamber 22cm long, which must be traversed through the air in more than 0.36sec; resulting in a limit speed of 0.61m/sec.

Given that the air speed is 0.55m/sec, the dimensions of the accessory are appropriate. Figures 15 to 22.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Figure-1 Scheme of air duct with UVC emitter and granular group complement Figure-2 Graphic explanation of how the granular elements of one layer obstruct the rectilinear path of the radiation left by the gaps in the other

Figure-3 Granular group drawing Variant E1: elements can have any shape and size

Figure-4 Granular group drawing Variant E2: the elements can have any shape comparable to an ellipsoid and different sizes

Figure-5 Granular group drawing Variant E3: elements can have any shape comparable to an ellipsoid and the same size

Figure-6 Granular group drawing Variant E4: the elements can have any shape comparable to an ellipsoid, the same size and be ordered

Figure-7 Granular group drawing Variant E4, with triangular order

Figure-8 Drawing of granular group Variant E4, with confinement system for triangular order

Figure-9 Granular group drawing Variant E4, with rectangular order

Figure-10 Granular group drawing Variant E4, confinement system for rectangular order

Figure-11 Drawing of granular group Variant E1, with detail of three successive layers Figure-12 Drawing of granular group Variant E3, with detail of three successive layers Figure-13 Drawing of granular group Variant E4, with detail of three successive layers Figure- 14 Drawing of granular group Variant E4, with detail of the variation of the section of the air ducts that are formed between the two-layer elements. Figure-15 Practical Realization: Sectional View

Figure-16 Practical Realization: Section

Figure-17 Practical realization: Plant

Figure-18 Practical implementation: Plan of the granular group

Figure-19 Practical implementation: Confinement system plan

Figure-20 Practical realization: Geometric relationship between the confinement system and the elements of the granular group

Figure-21 Practical realization: Graphic explanation of how the granular elements of a layer obstruct the direct propagation of radiation through the gaps left by the elements of the adjacent layer

Figure-22 Practical implementation: Graphic explanation of how the granular elements are arranged in successive layers based on the guides of the confinement system REFERENCES1 USED IN THE DRAWINGS

(1) END OF DUCT FOR AIR DISPLACEMENT (2) UV MAJOR WAVE RADIATION EMITTER SYSTEM (3) GRANULAR GROUP

(4) GRANULAR GROUP CONFINEMENT SYSTEM (5) RADIATION OPAQUE ENVELOPE

(6) AREA OCCUPIABLE BY UNPROTECTED PEOPLE

Claims (1)

1- Device for the protection of people against air-permeable ultraviolet majority wave electromagnetic radiation; formed by a duct for air circulation made of material opaque to radiation that has one end located in an area occupied by people, by a radiation emitter located inside the duct, characterized by containing a group of elements with granular behavior that fills a section of the duct located between the emitter and the area occupied by people, in which the granular elements are made of a material that prevents the spread of radiation through them, its size and its gap index are related to the length of the section of conduit filling and the degree of radiation protection provided by the device. 2- Device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the granular elements is comparable to the mathematical equation of the quadric 1=((xA2)/aA2))+((yA2)/bA2))+((zA2)/cA2 )), which is an ellipsoid for general values of (a), (b) and (c), and is a sphere for the assumption of equal values of (a), (b) and (c). 3- Device according to claim 1, wherein the granular elements have a uniform size, understood to mean that the elements can pass through a gap of a dimension that determines their maximum size, but they cannot pass through another gap of a dimension smaller than that of the previous gap and that determines its minimum size. 4- Device according to claim 2 and 3, where the elements are distributed geometrically ordered by layers and in such a way that the gaps between the elements of a layer coincide with the elements of the adjacent layers. 5- Device according to claim 4, where the geometric order within a layer has each element in contact with six others and in the adjacent layer in contact with three others. It is called layers of elements arranged in a triangular pattern. 6- Device according to claim 4, where the geometric order within a layer has each element in contact with four others and in the adjacent layer also in contact with four others. It is called layers of elements arranged in a rectangular pattern. 7- Device according to any of the previous claims 1 to 6, where a confinement system for the granular group is provided that maintains the position of the elements within the duct stable and is permeable to air, but not to the elements. 8- Device according to any of the previous claims 4 to 6 and 7, where the confinement system contributes to the geometric order through guides into which the elements of the first layer fit. 9- Device according to any of the previous claims 1 to 8 wherein the manufacturing method of the group of granular elements uses a confinement system to place the elements in the desired position and they are fixed to each other using a binder.