GB2562449A

GB2562449A - Macerator apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2562449A
Application number: GB1701407.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anderson Stuart
Original assignee: Haigh Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Haigh Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-27
Filing date: 2017-01-27
Publication date: 2018-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-27
Also published as: GB201701407D0; GB2562449B

Abstract

Aeration apparatus 4 for macerator 2 waste pathway 3 comprising a nozzle 5 for injecting fluid into pathway and mounting means for mounting nozzle so that outlet is directed into the pathway. The apparatus may comprise air inlet 7, one-way valve 8 and a water inlet 6, the inlets feeding into the nozzle outlet to produce aerated water jet. The mounting may direct the fluid jet at an inclination into the pathway. The mounting means may include a 90 degree bend section of pipe. The air inlet may connect into the path of water inlet flow. The apparatus may include a controller 12 to control operational timing of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise disinfectant or deodoriser dispersion means 10, which may be connected to the controller for coordination of dispersion and aeration. The mounting means may be provided in a P trap 3, the fluid jet directed in the region of the exit of the trap. Also claimed is a method of treating a macerator waste pathway comprising introduction of a disinfectant or deodoriser into the macerator, introducing a fluid jet into the waste pathway flow and controlling the timing of the fluid jet and disinfectant or deodoriser.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

The Haigh Engineering Company Ltd (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Alton Road, ROSS-ON-WYE, Herefordshire, HR9 5NG, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Stuart Anderson (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Graham Watt & Co LLP

St Botolph's House, 7-9 St Botolph's Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3AJ, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

B02C 23/20 (2006.01) B02C 19/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

EP 0659948 A US 4009912 A

US 1732775 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A61L, B02C, B09B

Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: Macerator apparatus

Abstract Title: Macerator Waste Pathway Aeration Apparatus (57) Aeration apparatus 4 for macerator 2 waste pathway 3 comprising a nozzle 5 for injecting fluid into pathway and mounting means for mounting nozzle so that outlet is directed into the pathway. The apparatus may comprise air inlet 7, one-way valve 8 and a water inlet 6, the inlets feeding into the nozzle outlet to produce aerated waterjet. The mounting may direct the fluid jet at an inclination into the pathway. The mounting means may include a 90 degree bend section of pipe. The air inlet may connect into the path of water inlet flow. The apparatus may include a controller 12 to control operational timing of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise disinfectant or deodoriser dispersion means 10, which may be connected to the controller for coordination of dispersion and aeration. The mounting means may be provided in a “P” trap 3, the fluid jet directed in the region of the exit of the trap. Also claimed is a method of treating a macerator waste pathway comprising introduction of a disinfectant or deodoriser into the macerator, introducing a fluid jet into the waste pathway flow and controlling the timing of the fluid jet and disinfectant or deodoriser.

1/1

Macerator Apparatus

The present invention relates to macerators, and in particular macerators used to dispose of, for example human waste, in a hospital environment.

Such macerators can leave behind residues that emit an unpleasant odour as a consequence of the materials being processed. As a result there are numerous deodorisers/disinfectants commercially available that are introduced into macerators in a controlled manner during the machine's cycle. Typically these are simple timed arrangements without any programmed intelligence and they deliver deodoriser/disinfectant during each and every cycle.

GB2526073 provides a method for precisely delivering disinfectant at the point of requirement thus proving efficient efficacy of use. However, once the surfaces are coated, the residual disinfectant is washed into the machine's drainage system.

Moreover, modern plumbing systems are increasingly experiencing a build-up of a 'biological film' sometimes referred to as 'Bio-slime'. This biological matter if left unchecked can cause a restriction in the bore and lead to potential blockages or harbour bacteria that can be an infection control risk if disturbed.

The present invention seeks to alleviate problems associated with such known arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aeration apparatus for a macerator waste pathway, comprising:- a nozzle for injecting fluid into a macerator waste pathway; and mounting means for mounting the nozzle such that an outlet thereof is directed into a macerator waste pathway. In this way, waste fluid in the waste pathway, such as a drain is subjected to a fluid jet, which can act to create foam.

Preferably, the aeration apparatus further comprises an air inlet and a water inlet, the air inlet having a one-way valve for preventing backflow and odour release, the air inlet and water inlet feeding into the nozzle outlet, thereby in use producing an aerated water jet.

Conveniently, the mounting means is configured to direct the fluid jet at a particular inclination into the waste pathway. This has the effect of interacting with the surface of the water creating foam whilst urging it downstream along the waste pathway.

Preferably, the mounting means includes a 90° bend section of waste pipe, with a connection mounting for mounting the nozzle thereto. This has the effect of interacting with the surface of the water creating foam whilst urging it downstream along the waste pathway.

The mounting means may in this regard be provided in combination with a P trap. Preferably, the mounting means directs the fluid jet in the region of the exit of a P trap. In this way, the P trap will in the normal course of events have waste fluid residing therein with the waste fluid surface at the exit presenting a suitable area for developing foam.

Preferably, the air inlet connects into the path of water inlet flow.

Conveniently, the apparatus further comprises a controller for controlling the operational timing of the aeration apparatus. In this manner, the introduction of the fluid jet can be timed to optimise its effectiveness.

Preferably, the aeration apparatus further comprises disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means for introducing disinfectant and/or deodoriser into the macerator.

Conveniently, the disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means is connected to the controller so that the relative operational timings of the disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means and aeration apparatus can be coordinated. In this way the development of foam can be optimised.

Preferably, the controller has a user interface for altering the timing and flow characteristics of the deodorising agent and aerated water.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a macerator waste pathway comprising:- introducing a disinfectant and/or deodoriser into the macerator; introducing a fluid jet into the waste pathway flow; and controlling the timing of the fluid jet in the waste pathway flow to coincide with the presence of disinfectant and/or deodoriser that has progressed through the macerator.

Preferably, the fluid jet is provided at an inclined angle to the surface of the water fluid to promote foaming. More preferably, the angle is substantially 45°. In this way, the foaming effect is optimised.

An example of the present invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a macerator waste pathway in the form of a drain according.

As shown in Figure 1, the drain 1 from a macerator 2 feeds first into a P trap 3, which will hold a volume of fluid and act as a non return valve.

At the downstream end of the P trap is disposed an aerated water jet device 4 according to the present invention. The aerated water jet device comprises a nozzle 5 having a water inlet 6 and an air inlet 7. Water is fed to the water inlet 6 under pressure and the air inlet 7 includes a valve 8, for allowing air in but which prevents the escape of fluids such as such as odours and waste backflow.

The nozzle may be constricted to provide a Venturi effect at reference 9, namely to increase the velocity of the pumped water as it combines with the air.

Biological film is made up of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses) and can pose an infection control risk. Specific high level disinfectants have been proven to break down these films to either prevent initial build-up or remove existing matter. For this to occur the disinfectant needs to be in direct contact with the biological matter.

In the present invention, an aerated water jet is introduced into the drain and has the effect of foaming the residual disinfectant and/or deodoriser in the drain pipe. This method ensures the disinfectant and/or deodoriser suspended in the foam 1 7 contacts the drain walls. This foaming effect greatly reduces the build-up of 'Bioslime' which collects on the drain walls over time which causes a restriction and potential drain blockage or harbour bacteria that can be an infection control risk if disturbed.

To ensure maximum effect the aerated water jet is injected at a precise time in the cycle to coincide with the time that the disinfectant and/or deodoriser is present. Depending on the time and the disinfectant and/or deodoriser concentration present, the complete local drain run can be foamed to protect it from biological film.

In this regard, a jet of aerated water is directed into the drain at the downstream side of the P trap. Preferably the jet is angled to impinge on the fluid at the exit of P trap at an inclination which will have an optimal effect in foaming the disinfectant and/or deodoriser carried in the waste fluid and to assist in urging the waste fluid down the drain. The angle of inclination of the jet is preferably substantially 45°.

In this connection, disinfectant and/or deodoriser may be introduced at specific timings in the cycle of the macerator, using for example dispersion means 10 provided in the macerator lid 11.

The aerated water jet device 4 is shown connected to a controller 12, which is also connected to and controls the disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means 10 so that their respective operation can be precisely co-ordinated.

To this end, the controller 1 2 is connected by a suitable wired connection 1 6 to a valve unit 14 which regulates the flow of pumped water 15 to the water inlet of the aerated water jet device 4. Of course, a wireless connection could be used to connect the various components of the apparatus.

Whilst in the preferred embodiment shown, an aerated water jet is directed at the waste fluid in the drain from above, it is envisaged that the nozzle could dispense any suitable fluid, e.g. a simple air jet or a simple water jet, that sufficiently disturbs the waste water to causing foaming.

Further, whilst the nozzle is shown directing the fluid jet at 45° to the waste water surface, it could be at any suitable angle, it could be horizontal or vertical and could be provided in the waste water so that it dispenses under the waste water surface.

Claims

Claims

1. Aeration apparatus for a macerator waste pathway, comprising:- a nozzle for injecting fluid into a macerator waste pathway; and mounting means for mounting the nozzle such that an outlet thereof is directed into a macerator waste pathway.
2. Aeration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an air inlet and a water inlet, the air inlet having a one-way valve for preventing back flow and odour release, the air inlet and water inlet feeding into the nozzle outlet, thereby in use producing an aerated water jet.
3. Aeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting means is configured to direct the fluid jet at a particular inclination into the waste pathway.
4. Aeration apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means includes a 90° bend section of waste pipe, with a connection mounting for mounting the nozzle thereto.
5. Aeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air inlet connects into the path of water inlet flow.
6. Aeration apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a controller for controlling the operational timing of the aeration apparatus.
7. Aeration apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means for introducing disinfectant into the macerator.
8. Aeration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the disinfectant and/or deodoriser dispersion means is connected to the controller so that the relative operational timings of the disinfectant dispersion means and aeration apparatus can be coordinated.
9. Aeration apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the controller has a user interface for altering the timing and flow characteristics of the disinfectant and/or deodoriser and aerated water.
10. Aeration apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means is provided in combination with a P trap.
11. Aeration apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mounting means is configured to direct the fluid jet in the region of the exit of a P trap.
12. A method of treating a macerator waste pathway comprising:- introducing a disinfectant and/or deodoriser into the macerator;

introducing a fluid jet into the waste pathway flow; and controlling the timing of the fluid jet in the waste pathway flow to coincide with the presence of disinfectant and/or deodoriser that has progressed through the macerator.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the fluid jet is provided at an inclined angle to the surface of the water fluid to promote foaming.
14. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1.
15. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure

1.

Intellectual

Property Office

Application No: GB 1701407.7