GB2565335A - Sanitisation system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a sanitisation system comprising: a source of fluid sanitiser (e.g. formaldehyde); at least one dispenser in fluidic communication with the source of fluid sanitiser, for dispensing the sanitiser into the enclosed environment; a sensor for sensing an atmospheric level of the sanitiser in the enclosed environment; and a controller arranged to receive data from the sensor, and further arranged to control a quantity of sanitiser dispensed by the dispenser in response to the atmospheric level sensed by the sensor. The system is a closed-loop dispenser. The sanitisation system may work according to a set profile, or to maintain a minimum, or maximum, atmospheric level of sanitiser. The system may further measure the amount of pathogens in the environment. Preferably, the sensor is an electro-chemical sensor. The controller may further control the level of ventilation in the area. Preferably, the system is used in an agricultural environment (e.g. an area containing chickens).

Description

Sanitisation System

The present invention relates to a system and method for dispensing fluids within a controlled manner within an enclosed environment, and more particularly (but not exclusively) for dispensing sanitising fluids within an agricultural environment.

It is often the case that agricultural environments, particularly those that house live animals, require periodic sanitisation to keep biological hazards under control. It may also be necessary to carry out sanitisation should it be discovered that there are hazards present requiring immediate treatment. One convenient way of sanitising such areas (which typically comprise of buildings, sheds, barns (or other enclosed environments) or parts thereof) comprises introducing a sanitising product in gas or vapour form, which then spreads throughout the environment by natural and forced convection, typically from existing ventilation fans. This is traditionally done by generating a quantity of an appropriate vapour in an enclosed space, where the quantity of vapour to be used is estimated based upon the volume of the space. The vapour then disperses around the building, sanitising on contact, where the chemical content of the sanitiser is above some threshold level in the atmosphere.

The technique is favoured as it is very easy to do. However, it does have disadvantages. It is often the case that, once a quantity of vapour has been released, the vapour levels, as a fraction of the volume of the space, can vary significantly over time, and also in different parts of the space . It is possible therefore that some parts will get not enough exposure to the vapour to have a thorough cleansing or disinfecting effect, while other parts may be exposed to too great a density. This latter problem can lead to health risks for any animals within the building, and also for humans that are in it, who may be carrying out the sanitisation process.

Some of the chemicals involved in sanitisation, e.g. formaldehyde, are toxic to humans and animals, in concentrations over some defined level, and can cause short or long-term health problems. Regulations on such chemicals also impose maximum levels to which a human may be exposed. There is also a trend for such regulations to get tighter with time, as environment laws evolve. This can make it difficult to achieve effective sanitisation while maintaining safe exposure levels.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least ameliorate one or more problems with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sanitisation system comprising: a source of fluid sanitiser at least one dispenser in fluidic communication with the source of fluid sanitiser, for dispensing the sanitiser into an enclosed environment; at least one sensor for sensing an atmospheric level of the sanitiser in the enclosed environment; a controller arranged to receive data from the sensor, and further arranged to control a quantity of sanitiser dispensed by the dispenser in response to the atmospheric level sensed by the sensor.

Embodiments of the invention thus provides a means for dispensing a sanitiser in an enclosed environment in a controlled manner and for controlling and/or adjusting the concentration of sanitiser being dispensed according to sensed levels.

This is in contrast to prior art systems which merely have a stock of sanitiser that is released, and left for a time duration in the building, leading to the uncontrolled distribution issues as discussed above.

Advantageously, in some embodiments the controller is arranged to regulate the quantity of sanitiser entering the enclosed environment to maintain the sensed atmospheric level below a predetermined maximum atmospheric concentration level. Thus, by choosing the predetermined level according to any legal or desired maximum, it is much more likely that the environment will be maintained at safe levels of exposure.

Advantageously, in some embodiments the controller is arranged to regulate the quantity of sanitiser entering the enclosed environment to maintain the sensed atmospheric concentration level between a predetermined maximum and a predetermined minimum level. Thus, as well as helping to maintain the sanitiser density at a safe level, such embodiments also help to provide an effective dosage level, usually measured in parts per million (PPM).

Advantageously, the controller may be arranged to maintain the maximum and/or minimum level for a predetermined time period, and to reduce the level of sanitiser in the enclosed environment after the time period has elapsed. This helps to prevent overdosing of the sanitiser by exposing the environment for too long a period.

Advantageously, the controller may be arranged to vary the concentration of sanitiser within the environment over time, based upon a predetermined sanitisation profile. This provides flexibility not possible with prior art methods. E.g. a profile may be set up to give a low underlying sanitiser concentration for an extended period of time, and to increase this at intervals, or when events suggest it would be beneficial. Other profiles, that vary the concentration in different ways at different times throughout a sanitisation cycle can of course be used.

Advantageously, the controller may be arranged to vary the concentration of sanitiser within the environment over time, based upon at least one of: a) measurements of pathogens made within the environment, and b) detection of an event requiring change of sanitiser concentration level. Events such as the introduction of livestock into an environment, or the introduction or hatching of eggs in a hatchery may be used to trigger changes in sanitisation levels. Some embodiments may employ means for detecting such events automatically, e.g. using CO2, movement or sound sensors, and to trigger a change in sanitisation concentration levels accordingly.

Advantageously, the controller, dispenser(s) and sensor(s) together comprise elements of a feedback loop used to maintain sanitiser levels within desired limits within the enclosed environment. The feedback loop is operative so as to take reading levels at appropriate time intervals, which may typically range from every 5 or 10 seconds, through to every 30 seconds, or every 1,2 5 or 10 minutes. By selecting a suitable sample interval then adjustment of dosage levels, as detected by the sensor(s) is done within a time frame that allows action to be taken to keep, or bring sanitiser levels within a bound, without excess deviation from desired concentrations, and/or to allow monitoring and adjustment of concentrations a plurality of times within a cleansing cycle.

The feedback loop may be a linear control loop (providing linearly variable control of the flow of fluid through the pump), or a binary loop, wherein the pump is switched on or off dependent upon measurements made by the sensor(s). Advantageously, the loop may be a Proportional-lntegral-Derivative (PID) control loop.

Advantageously, the system may further comprise a ventilation means for lowering or distributing the levels of sanitiser in the environment, the ventilator being under the control of the processor. The ventilation means may comprise of one or more fans, blowers, or vents. The ventilation means may be that which is installed within the environment as a part of its normal operation, and which is controlled temporarily by the controller. Alternatively, the ventilation means may be installed along with the rest of the system, and be specific to it.

Advantageously, the ventilation means may be activated during a sanitisation procedure to aid with distribution of the sanitiser. E.g. it may be activated on a command from the controller, when a dispenser is currently dispensing the sanitiser into the environment. Alternatively, or as well, the ventilation means may be activated following the sanitisation procedure, to further distribute the remaining sanitiser, and also to aid in removing the sanitiser when it is desired to bring the levels of sanitiser down.

Conveniently, the system may be arranged to receive user inputs from a control panel that is in communication with the controller. The control panel is advantageously arranged to allow a user to adjust dispensing parameters, including at least one of: maximum desired concentration level, minimum desired concentration level, time duration of activation of the system, and sanitisation profile.

The control panel may have an integral display, or a remote display connectable thereto, that is used to show relevant information to a user, including current settings, system status, historical information about previous cycles etc.

The controller may be any suitable controller, able to receive inputs from the sensor(s), to process the inputs (and other related data) and provide outputs to the dispenser(s). Thus, it also includes a processor and any such input and output hardware to enable the input and control of such things, including, dependent upon the elements making up a particular embodiment, analogue to digital conversion means, switching means, which may comprise solid state and/or relay switches. The controller may comprise a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

The or each dispenser may comprise of a pump, with an associated emitter. The pump may be any suitable pump that is able to handle the particular type of sanitiser in use, and to generate flow rates suitable for a sanitising application. The emitter may comprise of an aperture that receives fluid from the pump and allows the fluid to disperse into the atmosphere. The emitter may therefore comprise e.g. a cord wick, an evaporation pad, or a liquid tray, a vaporiser etc. Other emitter types may also be used, as would be understood by a normally skilled person. The emitter may be attached or otherwise be integral with the pump, or may be separated, and in fluid communication therewith, using appropriate hosing. There may be one or more emitters associated with each pump. Where more than one emitter is used, then advantageously they are physically spaced apart when in use to provide improved uniformity of dispersion. Advantageously, the pump may be located apart from the emitter, so that the pump can sit outside of the environment being sanitised. This eases setup procedures, and subsequent cleaning etc.

The sensors may be any suitable sensor for providing an indication as to the concentration of sanitiser within the atmosphere. Advantageously, in some embodiments the sensor may be an electrochemical cell sensor. Some embodiments may have more than one sensor associated with each controller and emitter, where the plurality of sensors are located in different positions within the environment being sanitised. Thus, the controller may be able get a more complete picture of how the distribution of sanitiser is occurring within the environment, and to use this information within the feedback loop arrangement.

The system has particular benefits when being used in agricultural environments where livestock are kept. Therefore, advantageously, the enclosed environment may be one used to house live animals, and the levels of sanitiser in the atmosphere are maintained within regulated safe levels for the particular animals within the environment.

Advantageously, the sanitising fluid may be an organic compound. Advantageously, the sanitising fluid may be an aldehyde. Advantageously the sanitising fluid may be a formaldehyde based sanitiser. The sanitiser may be Formalin, or a similar product.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention may be used in environments that house live poultry. Poultry houses are particularly suited to sanitisation using a system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Advantageously, some embodiments of the invention may be arranged to store data relating to use of the embodiment for future analysis. Such data may include parameters such as: i. quantity and type of sanitiser fluid used on previous cycles; ii date and time of previous cycles; iii. profile of concentration within the environment with time; iv. Internal environmental data such as temperature, air pressure, CO2 levels, airflow rate etc. v. External environmental data such as weather data (temperature, pressure, windspeed and/or direction) etc.

Together with the sanitisation operation data, further data may be input to the system recording other information, such as the effectiveness of a particular sanitisation cycle.

The data may be stored on a computer readable medium such as a hard disk, memory stick, or remote server. Advantageously, the control panel may allow settings from previous sanitisation cycles to be called up and used for current or future sanitisation cycles.

The data may be used for any suitable purpose, including, but not limited to: i. Analysing the effectiveness of previous sanitisation processes. Such analysis may allow the quantities of sanitiser to be reduced in future sanitisation cycles, leading to reduced risk from chemical exposure, as well as reduced cost and waste. ii. Monitoring the future health of livestock. iii. Provision of information relating to the sanitisation process to purchasers or future users of livestock or food subject to the sanitisation process. This therefore allows an auditable trail of evidence of sanitisation to be produced if required.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of sanitising an environment, comprising the steps of: a) providing a fluid sanitiser, a sanitiser dispenser adapted to dispense sanitiser into the environment, a sensor adapted to sense the concentration of sanitiser within the environment, and a controller connected to the dispenser and sensor; b) dispensing, under the control of the controller, a quantity of sanitiser into the environment; c) sensing the concentration of sanitiser within the atmosphere of the environment; d) feeding back the sensed concentration to the controller, and adjusting a flow of fluid from the dispenser based upon the sensed concentration; such that the sensed concentration of sanitiser in the environment is maintained within predetermined limits.

The method therefore provides a sanitiser dispenser feedback monitoring system, to provide close control of the concentration of sanitiser within the environment.

Conveniently, the method may be run for a predetermined time interval. The time interval will be selected dependent upon the degree of sanitisation required, given the properties of the sanitiser in use, and would be readily understood by a normally skilled person.

Advantageously, the method may further comprise using a ventilation system to disperse the sanitiser throughout the environment. This may be done during the operation of the dispenser so as to assist in providing coverage of the sanitiser throughout the environment. Alternatively or as well, it may be used after the sanitisation process has completed, to aid in clearing sanitiser from the environment.

Advantageously, the method may further comprise varying with time the concentration levels according to a desired concentration profile.

The environment may be divided into a plurality of zones, wherein method steps (a) to (d) are implemented independently in each of the zones. The zones may be physically divided, or partially divided areas of the environment, or may be regions within a single, larger environment.

Advantageously, a common controller may be adapted to provide individual control of concentration levels for each zone.

Advantageously, the method may be applied to agricultural environments.

Advantageously, the method may further comprise storing data pertaining to a cleaning cycle for future analysis. Advantageously, data pertaining to prior sanitisation cycles may be provided to third parties. This may be used to prove, e.g. that a particular batch of livestock present within the environment have been subject to sanitisation processes within acceptable limits, or for other purposes.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures, of which:

Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the invention, having a single pump, and a single sensor;

Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrates a simplified block diagram of a second embodiment of the invention having multiple pumps and sensors;

Figure 3 shows a simplified block diagram indicating the operational steps of an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 is a graph showing concentration with time of a sanitizing fluid in an environment, with both a (simulated) prior art system, and a simulated embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the invention. A sanitisation system 10 comprises of a controller 12, and input and display unit 14, a pump 16, an emitter 17, a sensor 18, a stock of sanitisation fluid 20 and a data store 24. The environment to be sanitised is indicated at 28.

The controller 12 connects to the input and display unit (IDU) 14. The IDU 14 is thus able to show, on its display, the status of the system as provided to it by the controller. It is also able to show any other relevant information, such as setup information for a future sanitisation cycle, and relevant timing information etc. The IDU also accepts commands via a control panel forming part of the IDU that enables a current active sanitisation cycle to be controlled (by changing various parameters) or a future cycle to be set up.

The fluid container 20, that contains a supply of a particular sanitiser fluid (such as formaldehyde) is in fluid communication with a pump 16 and from there to emitter 17 via a fluid pipe 26. The fluid container 20 has a fill level sensor that provides an indication of fluid level to controller 12.

The controller 12 is connected to the pump 16 and the sensor 18. The pump 16 is under the control of the controller. The pump is switchable by the controller, so that, when activated, it pumps sanitising fluid into the environment at a known rate. The flow rate is recorded for future reference. The pump used in this embodiment is a Grundfos DDA pump, although it will be understood that other such pumps may be used, as would be appreciated by a normally skilled person.

The pump is physically housed outside of the environment, with the emitter and sensor being within the environment along with the sensor located within an environment 28 to be sanitised. The emitter 17 and the sensor 18 are spaced apart from each other in the environment, such as at opposite ends of the environment, or preferably with a spacing greater than a quarter, a half, two thirds, or three quarters of a major planform dimension of the environment (with a larger spacing generally being preferable). The controller 12 is connected to the sensor 18 via wire link 30, with readings from the sensor being sent back to the controller for processing. Other embodiments may use a wireless means, such as WIFI etc. for communication, between sensor and controller.

Sensors suitable for use in embodiments of the invention are manufactured by www.draeger, com, although other manufacturers also provide suitable sensors.

The controller is also connected to data storage device 24, comprising of a computer readable hard drive. The hard drive stores in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion configuration data pertaining to the system installation, and also details of prior sanitisation cycles that have been done. The data storage device is, in this embodiment, located along with the controller, but in some embodiments it may be connected via a network, such as the internet, to provide remote storage.

The controller 12, IDU 14, and data store 24 form part of a SCADA system. The system includes various interfaces (not shown) for providing signal conditioning and analogue to digital conversion (ADC) on inputs from the sensor, and also drive signal conditioning and buffering for signals provided to the pump, along with other functions, such as power supplies, thermal management, self-test functions etc. as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. When the system is required for use, the system is activated. The system then carries out a self-test that checks the function of each of the key components (processor, pump(s) sensor(s) etc.). The user may enter, or call up previously entered configuration data that determines the duration and desired concentration levels, sanitisation profile etc., for the type of sanitising fluid being used. Following that, and after ensuring that safety considerations such as ensuring people are evacuated from the environment as necessary have been carried out, the dosing cycle is activated.

Upon such activation, the controller commands the pump to dispense a quantity of sanitising fluid into the environment 28. At the same time, inputs from the sensor are monitored to check that levels within the environment are kept within a desired range.

The pump initially dispenses a quantity of sanitiser into the environment at a predetermined rate. The sensor proceeds to take measurements of the concentration of sanitiser within the atmosphere, and to send this information back to the controller. As the measured levels rise to desired levels, the rate of flow from the pump is modulated by the controller (according to the control loop algorithm), to achieve a desired concentration as determined by a pre-set set-point or position within a sanitisation profile. The pump, sensor and controller continue in this fashion until the environment has been exposed for a sufficient duration, and/or a desired quantity of sanitiser has been emitted.

In some embodiments, the system may be arranged to provide a particular concentration level of sanitiser at different times, so providing a sanitisation profile. For example, a profile may comprise having a very low dose present within the environment for an extended time to prevent or reduce the ordinary bacterial growth, but may then increase the concentration levels in short bursts, e.g. when new livestock is added to the environment, or when it is adjudged that (from e.g. measurements of pathogens taken within the environment, or at a predetermined time interval), a more in-depth sanitisation cycle would be advantageous.

Another profile may comprise running a more concentrated sanitisation procedure at different times associated with the lifecycle of the particular livestock or product being kept within the environment. For example, in a hatchery, the system may be arranged to regulate the concentration of sanitiser with time, and to vary the concentration based upon events, such as the addition of new eggs into the environment. Such new eggs may come from an unsanitised environment, and so a higher concentration level of sanitiser may be maintained for either a fixed time period, or until the eggs start to hatch. An embodiment may be arranged to automatically monitor CO2 levels, movement, sound, or some other indicator and to change the sanitiser concentration in response thereto. Thus, e.g. the sanitiser may be reduced in concentration when it is sensed that the eggs are hatching or have recently hatched.

The control loop helps to keep the concentration levels of sanitiser within prescribed limits, which has the effects of improving safety by reducing peak levels often associated with prior art techniques, whilst also helping to ensure that an effective dose is delivered.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention. This second embodiment shows a sanitisation system 40 being used in three separate zones within a building, which may be, for example, three different rooms within the building, or three regions of a larger environment.

Each of the zones employs a single pump and emitter, along with a sensor, that connect to a controller, as described in relation to Figure 1. Thus a first zone 41 has an associated pump 42 and emitter 44, with a sensor 46 and control function 48. The second and third zones 50, 52 each have similar setups, and will not be described further. Note that although the control functions are shown separately, and work independently from each other, they run on the same controller hardware, for some of the functionality, such as the processing. It will be appreciated that the processing associated with controlling a single feedback loop for a zone is not particularly arduous, and so it is feasible to scale up such a system to many tens of separate zones, each with their own dispensers and sensors, while using reasonably modest processing power.

The operation of the pump, emitter, sensor and controller is as described in relation to Figure 1, with each control function independently implementing a feedback control of the supply of sanitiser to its zone.

The pumps are all collectively located in a unit outside of the zones, whereas the emitters and sensors are positioned within each zone. Pipework (shown as a dot-dashed line) connects the pumps to the emitters, and a cable (shown as a continuous line) connects the sensors to the controller inputs. A display unit 58 is associated with each zone, and is located in a convenient location nearby the environment being treated, although in many embodiments the controller may be arranged to display data relating to one or more of the zones centrally, as indicated by display 59, which may be located in a convenient location such as alongside the controller hardware (which is common to all of the control functions 48) or in a management office etc., rather than having separate display units. Although the feedback control functions are driven independently for each environment, it will be appreciated that it is straightforward to arrange for the data relating to any given controller function to be displayed on any of the displays. Some embodiments may dispense with a display means altogether, although it is advantageous to have a display for monitoring progress.

Each pump 42 is supplied from a store of formaldehyde solution in liquid form from a supply 54. This supply is, in this embodiment, common to all zones, but in other embodiments, some or all pumps may have independent sources of sanitiser. This therefore allows different types or strengths of sanitiser to be used in different zones if desired. A data store/server 56 is connected to the controller, so that data from each control function (from the common controller) associated with each zone may be stored for later analysis, and so that settings for a given zone may be downloaded to the control function for that zone. The data store/server in this embodiment is local to the system, but may, in other embodiments, be cloud based.

Figure 3 shows a simplified flowchart as used in an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment may be one of those described above, or may be a variant thereof,

First at 60, the system is initialised. This involves switching on the controller, checking sanitiser levels, and ensuring the emitter(s) and sensor(s) etc. are suitably positioned, and other acts generally associated with the process, such as ensuring the environment to be sanitised is in a safe state, with ventilation and access being suitably controlled. Initialisation also comprises choosing a sanitisation profile. This may be a simple fixed time, or quantity based profile, or may be a profile arranged to vary the concentration with time, or according to other variable, as discussed above.

Next, at 62, the concentration (here indicated in parts per million, PPM) is measured by a sensor (e.g. 18 of Figure 1) to check that it is below a predetermined starting concentration. If it is too high, then an alert 64 is given and the whole process stopped.

If it is acceptable, then the controller (e.g. 12) activates the pump (e.g. 20) to start dispensing sanitiser into the environment, as indicated at 66.

Periodically, such as at 1 minute intervals, the concentration levels are measured, 68, using a sensor (e.g. 18). The measured concentration is compared to a desired concentration based upon the profile being used. If the concentration levels are too high based upon the profile, then the flow rate is reduced at 70 (by an amount determined by any feedback algorithm being used, such as a PID algorithm). This is done by the controller providing appropriate control signals to the pump. If the concentration levels are too low, then correspondingly the flow rate of sanitiser through the pump is increased, at 72, dependent again upon the feedback algorithm being used. Dispensing then continues at the appropriate rate (which may of course be zero at times), as indicated at 74. This process cycles round, as determined by the controller at 76, which compares the current process state with that required by the sanitisation profile provided during initialisation, and hence will continue to measure concentration levels, compare them against that required by the profile, and dispense accordingly.

When the controller determines that it is time to stop the process, then it does so, as indicated at 78, and provides an indication to a user that the process is complete. Embodiments may then save data collected during the process, such as quantity of sanitiser used, the profile being used, environment details, weather etc. for future reference.

It will be appreciated that many variants on this basic process are possible within the scope of the invention, and that only a simplified process has been described.

Figure 4 is a graph of concentration of sanitiser in an environment with time, with plots showing a simulated prior art system (dotted line), and a plot of simulated data from an embodiment according to the current invention (solid line). The graph shows a 24 hr cycle, with hours being indicated on the x-axis, and sanitiser concentration in ppm on the y-axis. The prior art comprises a system where a measured quantity of sanitiser is released in a relatively uncontrolled manner. It can be seen that following the release, the quantity of sanitiser rises sharply, peaking at a relatively high level, before slowly reducing as the sanitising chemical disperses from the atmosphere. The high level may, for a period of time, exceed desired or permitted levels, which may be dangerous to humans or animals.

In contrast, simulated data in an embodiment of the present invention allows for a much more controlled initial release of sanitiser due to the feedback mechanism comprising sensor, controller and pump, as explained above. A particular concentration profile is visible from the graph, with an increasing level up to approx. 30ppm over the first 3 or 4 hours, then dropping to around 20ppm for an extended time period, followed by controlled reductions in concentration level until the end of the cycle, where it is fully dispersed.

Clear benefits of the present invention can be seen. Firstly a much reduced quantity of sanitiser is used, as is indicated by the area under the solid line compared to the area under the dotted line. Secondly, the fine control of concentration levels available with the system permits various sanitisation profiles to be used - this being just one. Thirdly, an operator can see the concentration levels present at any given instant, and therefore will know whether it is safe to enter the environment should he or she need to for any reason during the sanitisation cycle. Fourthly, the data showing amounts of concentration at different points is readily available for future analysis or reference, whereas such data is very hard to get for prior art systems.

Although the embodiments disclosed are arranged to be locally operated, once a system is installed then it may be activated and monitored remotely, e.g. over a computer network such as the internet or a local area network, clearly providing that there is a local arrangement for ensuring sufficient supply of sanitising fluid etc.

The functions described herein as provided by individual components could, where appropriate, be provided by a combination of components instead. Similarly, functions described as provided by a combination of components could, where appropriate, be provided by a single component.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (26)

Claims

1. A sanitisation system comprising: a source of fluid sanitiser at least one dispenser in fluidic communication with the source of fluid sanitiser, for dispensing the sanitiser into an enclosed environment at least one sensor for sensing an atmospheric level of the sanitiser in the enclosed environment a controller arranged to receive data from the sensor, and further arranged to control a quantity of sanitiser dispensed by the dispenser in response to the atmospheric level sensed by the sensor.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller is arranged to regulate the quantity of sanitiser entering the enclosed environment to maintain the sensed atmospheric level below a predetermined maximum level.

3 A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the controller is arranged to regulate the quantity of sanitiser entering the enclosed environment to maintain the sensed atmospheric level between a predetermined maximum and a predetermined minimum level.

4. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the controller is arranged to maintain the maximum and/or minimum level for a predetermined time period, and to reduce the level of sanitiser in the enclosed environment after the time period has elapsed.

5. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the system is arranged to vary the concentration of sanitiser within the environment over time, based upon a predetermined sanitisation profile.

6 A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the system is arranged to vary the concentration of sanitiser within the environment over time, based upon at least one of: a) measurements of pathogens made within the environment, and b) detection of an event requiring change of sanitiser concentration level.

7. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the controller, dispenser(s) and sensor(s) together comprise elements of a feedback loop used to maintain sanitiser levels within desired limits within the enclosed environment.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the feedback loop is arranged to control the pump based upon readings from the sensor automatically.

9. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the sensor is an electrochemical cell sensor.

10. A system according to any previous claim further comprising a ventilation means for lowering or distributing the levels of sanitiser in the environment, the ventilator being under the control of the controller.

11. A system according to any previous claim further comprising a control panel allowing adjustment of dispensing parameters, including at least one of, maximum desired level, minimum desired level, time duration of activation of the system.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control panel and the controller form part of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

13. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the controller is arranged to store data relating to a dosing cycle in long term computer memory.

14. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the system is used in an agricultural environment.

15 A system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the enclosed environment is used to house live animals, and the levels of sanitiser in the atmosphere are maintained within regulated safe levels for the particular animals.

16. A system as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the environment contains live poultry and/or eggs,.

17 A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sanitiser is: anorganic compound based sanitiser, such as an aldehyde based sanitiser, such as a formaldehyde based sanitiser.

18. A method of sanitising an environment, comprising the steps of: a) providing a fluid sanitiser, a sanitiser dispenser adapted to dispense sanitiser into the environment, a sensor adapted to sense the concentration of sanitiser within the environment, and a controller connected to the dispenser and sensor; b) dispensing, under the control of the controller, a quantity of sanitiser into the environment; c) sensing the concentration of sanitiser within the atmosphere of the environment; d) feeding back the sensed concentration to the controller, and adjusting a flow of fluid from the dispenser based upon the sensed concentration; such that the sensed concentration of sanitiser in the environment is maintained within predetermined limits.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the method is run for a predetermined :ime interval.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19 wherein the predetermined limits of concentration are varied with time according to a sanitisation profile.

21. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein a ventilation system is jsed to disperse the sanitiser throughout the environment;

22. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21 wherein the environment is divided nto a plurality of zones, and steps (a) to (d) are implemented independently in each of the iones.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein a common controller is adapted to arovide individual control of concentration levels for each zone.

24. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23 wherein the environment is an agricultural environment.

25. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24 wherein the system is arranged to store data pertaining to a cleaning cycle for future analysis.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25 comprising providing data pertaining to prior sanitisation cycles to third parties.