GB2568074A

GB2568074A - Mixing Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2568074A
Application number: GB1718247.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Hayman Richard
Original assignee: Medimark Scientific Ltd
Current assignee: Medimark Scientific Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2017-11-03
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Also published as: GB201718247D0

Abstract

The mixing apparatus comprises, a first container 12 comprising a first container material and a first chemical agent, and a second container 14 comprising a second container material and a second chemical agent, the first and/or second chemical agents having activated properties in solution; wherein the first container material and/or the second container material is soluble in a solvent. The solvent is water and at least one of the chemical agents may be a powder. The first chemical agent is preferably calcium hypochlorite and the second agent is a dicarboxylic acid, such as adipic acid. A desiccant may be housed in a third compartment. In use, compartment 20 of housing 16 is accessed by tearing the housing. This provides for release of first sachet 12 and second sachet 14 from the housing. Both sachets are placed in water within a fourth container (32, fig. 2). Upon dissolving, the first and second chemical agents provide an activated disinfectant solution comprising activated chlorine.

Description

The present invention relates to mixing apparatuses, and in particular to mixing apparatuses for use in sporicidal applications.

Background to the Invention

There exists a need to treat a surface with a cleaning or antibacterial agent. There are a number of current techniques for doing this and a range of equipment for assisting with the task. In the case of pre-activated solutions, these can be kept in a sealed environment premixed with the chemical agents required. The efficacy of the agents will often reduce with the length of time it is stored and has been applied to the container and so this technique is not reliable for products with a short shelf life or half-life.

The difficulties of maintaining an activated solution are complicated if the activated biocidal condition is to be achieved on-site with the application of one of more reagents. An example of this would be where a solution has been pre-loaded with an amount of a first reagent which is then subjected to a second reagent to achieve an activated state. The application and any measuring of solution would be open to human error, which could lead to an ineffective solution. Despite the known issues, this subsequent application of a second reagent or substance to a first solution is still used.

One way of addressing the longevity problem has been to provide on-site, on-demand generation of a biocide. This has succeeded in terms of the disinfection efficiency. However, this success is at the price of capital investment, and ongoing charges for service and maintenance of the generator.

Available alternatives includes premeasured active ingredients provided in burstable pouches, wherein upon bursting the active ingredient mixes with its surroundings providing an effective disinfectant. There are a number of drawbacks including the liquid state of the active ingredients, and the half-life issues that this presents. The fragility of such pouches to added pressure can cause premature release of the active ingredients and thus limits their portability along with storage and transportation options. The burstable nature of the pouches presents a risk of contaminating extraneous surfaces, objects or body parts, which can present a safety hazard.

It is therefore desirable to provide a mixing apparatus addressing the shortcomings of the currently available technology.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mixing apparatus comprising; a first container comprising a first container material and a first chemical agent, and a second container comprising a second container material and a second chemical agent, the first and/or second chemical agents having activated properties in solution; wherein the first container material and/or the second container material is soluble in a solvent.

Preferably the first container material and the second container material are soluble in a solvent. More preferably the solvent comprises water.

Preferably the first container material and the second container material comprise at least two strips of said soluble material of approximately the same size, one overlaid on the other, and sealed together around the perimeter of said strips.

Preferably at least one of the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent comprise a powder. More preferably both the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent comprise a powder. Still more preferably the powder is anhydrous. Still more preferably the powder comprises at least one ingredient that is arranged to be activated in solution. Still more preferably the ingredient comprises a halogen. Most preferably the halogen is chlorine.

Preferably the first chemical agent comprises calcium hypochlorite. More preferably calcium hypochlorite is present in an amount selected from the range: 100 mg to 10 g. Still more preferably calcium hypochlorite is present in an amount selected from the range: 2 g to 10 g. Preferably the calcium hypochlorite is used as a chlorine donor in solution.

Preferably the second chemical agent comprises an acid. More preferably the acid is a dicarboxylic acid. Still more preferably, the dicarboxylic acid is adipic acid. Still more preferably, the second chemical agent comprises adipic acid in an amount selected from the range: 100 mg to 10 g. Most preferably the second chemical agent comprises adipic acid in an amount selected from the range: 2 g to 10 g.

The effectiveness and efficacy of hypochlorites depends on the concentration of hypochlorous acid present in solution at the moment of use. In turn, the concentration of hypochlorous acid governs the pH of the solution. The higher the alkalinity, the less hypochlorous acid, and therefore the less effective the solution as a disinfectant. The peak concentration of hypochlorous acid occurs between pH 5-6 (98%). This decreases to about 90% at pH 6.5, and drops to 50% at near neutral pH.

Hypochlorous acid is a highly effective biocide for a range of pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium intercellulare, Mycobacterium chelonae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 among others.

From the fore-going it would be reasonable to conclude that hypochlorites, for example hypochlorous acid would be in widespread use in the medical field. This is, however, not the case. The reason is herein suggested to be twofold:

Firstly, acidic solutions of hypochlorous acid needed for maximum concentration have a very short half-life which is measured in hours. Consequently, their effectiveness disappears in a few days, and therefore they cannot be stored before use.

Secondly the availability and marketing of alternatives such as glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid. Such biocides are sold integral to specific washer-disinfectors, and therefore despite their inherent nauseous and poisonous effects on users, continue to be used, although their acknowledged environmental impact is causing a dramatic decline in their use.

Learning from the drawbacks of the foregoing approaches, the inventors realised that hypochlorous acid could be made on site at a time of the parties’ choosing, from stable ingredients, such as, for example, calcium hypochlorite and adipic acid, if a method could be found of creating hypochlorous acid through the chemical reaction that would occur when two otherwise stable compounds were mixed.

Preferably at least one of the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent comprises a dye having a colour in solution. More preferably the dye is substantially inert. Still more preferably the first chemical agent comprises a first dye having a first colour and the second chemical agent comprises a second dye having a second colour. Most preferably the first colour and the second colour produce a third colour when mixed.

Preferably the mixing apparatus further comprises a housing having a compartment arranged to accommodate the first container and the second container.

Preferably the housing is further arranged to accommodate a desiccant. More preferably the desiccant comprises silicon dioxide. Still more preferably the desiccant is comprised within a third container accommodated within the housing. Most preferably the third container comprises paper.

Preferably the housing is substantially impermeable to water. More preferably the housing is substantially impermeable to water in all states of matter, including water vapour and airborne moisture.

Preferably the compartment of the housing is sealed. More preferably the compartment of the housing may be unsealed. Still more preferably the compartment of the housing may be unsealed to receive a solvent.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mixing, wherein the method uses a mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: placing said first container and said second container into a fourth container either before or after placing a volume of a solvent into said fourth container; substantially dissolving said first container and said second container in said volume of said solvent, releasing said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent into said solvent; and substantially dissolving said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent in said solvent providing an activated solution.

Preferably said first chemical agent comprises chlorine. More preferably said volume is such that the disinfectant solution comprises chlorine in an amount selected from the range: 500 parts per million to 5000 parts per million. Still more preferably the method according to the second aspect of the present invention further comprises the step of: using said activated solution to disinfect a surface. Most preferably, the method of mixing is used in a medical setting.

Preferably the solvent comprises water.

Preferably the fourth container is arranged to be portable. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention comprising a housing, the housing may preferably be the fourth container of the second aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a wash bottle comprising a mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 provides a flow chart of a method of disinfecting according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 an example embodiment of a mixing apparatus 10 is provided according to the first aspect of the present invention, the mixing apparatus 10 comprising a first container 12 taking the form of an opaque, substantially rectangular, and water-soluble first sachet comprising a powdered, anhydrous first chemical agent (not shown), and a second container 14 taking the form of an opaque, substantially rectangular, and water soluble second sachet comprising a powdered anhydrous second chemical agent (not shown). The first chemical agent comprises calcium hypochlorite in an amount of approximately 2 g to 3 g, and the second chemical agent comprises adipic acid in an amount of approximately 2 g to 3 g. The substantially rectangular first and second sachets 12, 14 comprise a pair of opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of opposing lateral edges. The first chemical agent and the second chemical agent are sealed within the interior of the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 respectively, which are sealed about their respective longitudinal and lateral edges. The first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 are comprised within a water-impermeable housing 16, taking the form of a transparent packet sealed around the edge 18, creating a compartment 20. The first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 are both accommodated within the compartment 20. A third container 26 is further accommodated within the compartment 20, the third container 26 taking the form of an opaque paper packet comprising a desiccant (not shown).

In use, the compartment 20 of the housing 16 is accessed by tearing the housing 16, for example at a pre-positioned frangible portion, including partial tear 28, within the sealed rim 18 proximate the compartment 20. Access to the compartment 20 provides for release of the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 from the housing 16. In use the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 are placed into a volume of water-based solvent 34 comprised within a fourth container 32.

An example of a fourth container 32 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the fourth container 32 (transparent) forming part of a wash bottle 30. The wash bottle 30 comprises the fourth container 32, which forms an approximately conical bottle having a lower end and upper end with a circular cross-section, the area of the upper end cross-section being smaller than that of the lower end cross-section. Affixed to the upper end there is a head 36 comprising a horizontally-aligned nozzle 38 and a substantially vertically-aligned trigger 40. Downwardly extending from the head 36 into the container 32 is a dip tube 42 having a central channel providing communication between the interior of the container 32 and the nozzle 38.

The fourth container 32 of FIG. 2 comprises a volume (approximately 750ml_) of water-based solvent 34, in which the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 of FIG. 1 are present. FIG. 2 shows the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 within the wash bottle 30 shortly after addition of said first and second sachets 12, 14 to said volume of water-based solvent 34, at which point the first and second sachets 12, 14 are not completely dissolved in said solvent

34.

The first chemical agent of the first sachet 12 further comprises an inert blue dye. The second chemical agent of the second sachet 14 further comprises an inert yellow dye. In use, upon dissolution of the material of the water-soluble first and second sachets 12, 14 in the solvent 34, the first and second chemical agents are released into the solvent 34, where they dissolve to form an activated solution. The blue dye and the yellow dye comprised within the first and the second chemical agents respectively, miscible in solution, form a green colour.

In use, the wash bottle 30 of FIG. 2 is used for disinfecting surfaces, and the first and second chemical agents, upon dissolving in the approximately 750ml_ of solvent 34, form an activated disinfectant solution comprising activated chlorine at approximately 2000 ppm. In the embodiment shown, the activated disinfectant is responsible for bleaching said green colour of the solution formed by the mixing of the inert blue dye and the inert yellow dye.

Referring to FIG. 3, a method of mixing is shown in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention. The method of mixing comprising the steps of: placing said first container and said second container into a third container either before or after placing a volume of a solvent into said third container 44; substantially dissolving said first container and said second container in said volume of said solvent, releasing said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent into said solvent 46; substantially dissolving said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent in said solvent providing an activated solution 48. The method of mixing as set out in the example embodiment of FIG. 3 uses the wash bottle 30 of FIG. 2 to disinfect a surface. As such, the method shown further comprises the step of using said activated solution to disinfect a surface 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 are made from a water-soluble material, arranged to dissolve in the desired solvent, in order to release the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent respectively therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the solvent is water-based. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the desired solvent comprises only water. Further additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the desired solvent further comprises a hydrocarbon-based solvent, an oxygenated solvent and/or a halogenated solvent. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the desired solvent comprises any material suitable for use in disinfecting.

Due to the water-soluble nature of the first container 12 and the second container 14 in the embodiment shown, it is desirable to minimise the amount of water exposure to the first container 12 and the second container 14 during transport and storage of the mixing apparatus

10. As such, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 16 is made from a waterimpermeable material, arranged to minimise the access of the desired solvent, which in the case shown is water-based, to the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 while each of which are accommodated within the housing 16. In the embodiment shown, the waterimpermeable material comprises polyethylene. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the housing comprises any material other than polyethylene that is suitable for use in protecting the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 from the desired solvent.

The activated solution of FIG. 2 is provided by the calcium hypochlorite comprised within the first chemical agent. In the embodiment shown, the dissolution of the dry, anhydrous, powdered first chemical agent in the water-based solvent 34 provides a solution containing activated chlorine, having disinfectant properties. In the embodiment shown, the anhydrous, powdered adipic acid crystals of the second chemical agent comprises active properties in and out of solution. Alternative embodiments will be appreciated wherein both the first and second chemical agents become activated in solution. The invention can provide a sporicidal, virusidal, bacterial and or fungicidal disinfectant in the mixing apparatus.

In most cases, the dry, anhydrous powdered first and second chemical agents provide for a longer shelf life of product, particularly when chemical agents are required which become active in solution, but which have a significantly reduced half-life when in solution. The use of dry, anhydrous powdered first and second chemical agents is preferable since this, in most cases, enhances the robustness of the invention against varying storage methods and transport means. The inclusion of a desiccant acts to limit the availability of moisture and such limits the likelihood of contamination with solvent. The separation of said first and second chemical agents using the first sachet 12 and the second sachet 14 prevents interaction between the first and second chemical agents and in most cases provides an extended shelf life and improved robustness to varying storage methods and transport means. The user is provided with the opportunity to dissolve the first and second chemical agents in the desired solvent at the time of their choosing with some degree of confidence that the resulting solution is adequately activated for the desired application.

In providing a mixing apparatus according to the embodiment, the present invention provides an effective sporicidal disinfectant that is: cost efficient; safe; easy to use; with a long shelf life; portable; cheap and safe to transport and deploy; of improved control of contamination; and of enhanced safety.

One or both of the first and second containers, and/or the housing may include signage selected from the range of; colourways, company name, hazard warnings, CE Standard and supporting information, indication of product or use by date.

The sealing of the first and second containers and the housing in the embodiment shown is provided by heat sealing the edges of two pieces of material overlaid on one another, with the chemical agents comprised within the central, unsealed portion of the material. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the seals are made and secured by methods of sealing other than heat, for example by pressure sealing or adhesive.

In the embodiment shown, the first container and the second container are dissolved in a volume of solvent within a fourth container taking the form of a wash bottle. Example dimensions, shape and functional features of a fourth container suitable for use with a mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention are provided for contextual purposes only. Additional embodiments will be conceivable wherein the dimensions, shape and functional features of a fourth container for use with the mixing apparatus of the present invention are any such dimensions, shape or features that are suitable for a particular application of the mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fourth container is a wash bottle and the resultant activated solvent is therefore transportable and may be applied easily to surfaces requiring disinfectant. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the first container and the second container are dissolved in a volume of solvent comprised within a fourth container taking the form of a bucket. Further additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the first container and the second container may be dissolved in a volume of solvent comprised within any fourth container suitable for accommodating a volume of said solvent.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fourth container is transparent and comprises capacity for approximately 750 ml_ of solvent. Additional embodiments will be conceivable wherein the fourth container may be transparent, opaque or translucent, and/or wherein the capacity for solvent is determined by the required use of the mixing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, once use of the fourth container has ceased, the fourth container may be disposed of. The method of disposal may be in any way considered appropriate. Additional embodiments will be conceivable wherein the fourth container is reusable. In such embodiments, the fourth container may be suitably rinsed, and additional mixing apparatuses according to the first aspect of the present invention may be used in conjunction with said fourth container. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein rinsing of the fourth container after use is not required.

In the embodiment in FIG. 1, the housing 16 takes the form of a transparent packet. Additional embodiments will be conceivable wherein the housing instead takes the form of any of the fourth containers described herein.

In use, in the mixing apparatus of FIG. 2, once the first and second containers are dissolved in said solvent, the activated solution is applied directly to a surface to disinfect said surface. Additional embodiments will be apparent wherein the activated solution is first applied to an intermediary surface, wherein the intermediary surface may be intended to transport said activated solution to said surface to be disinfected. Embodiments will be conceivable wherein said intermediary surface may be provided by a cloth, a sponge, a swab, a wipe, a mop or any other surface suitable for transferring said activated solution to the surface requiring disinfectant. In embodiments wherein the activated solution is not used for disinfecting a surface, it will be conceivable that an intermediary surface may be required, for transfer of activated solution to a desired surface. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the housing 5 may comprise capacity to accommodate said intermediary surface.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the idea of soluble sachets 10 containing anhydrous, powdered versions of active and activating chemistries that activate is solution has applications not just in the activation of a disinfectant as in the embodiment described, but also in the creation of glues, and metal plating.

Claims

1. A mixing apparatus comprising;

a first container comprising a first container material and a first chemical agent, and a second container comprising a second container material and a second chemical agent, the first and/or second chemical agents having activated properties in solution; wherein the first container material and/or the second container material is soluble in a solvent.

2. A mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the solvent comprises water.

3. A mixing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first container material and the second container material comprise at least two strips of said soluble material of approximately the same size, one overlaid on the other, and sealed together around the perimeter of said strips.

4. A mixing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent comprise a powder.

5. A mixing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the powder is anhydrous.

6. A mixing apparatus according to any one of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the powder comprises at least one ingredient that is arranged to be activated in solution.

7. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ingredient comprises a halogen.

8. A mixing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first chemical agent comprises calcium hypochlorite.

9. A mixing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein calcium hypochlorite is present in an amount selected from the range: 2 g to 10 g.

10. A mixing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second chemical agent comprises an acid.

11. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the acid is a dicarboxylic acid.

12. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the acid is adipic acid.

13. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second chemical agent comprises adipic acid in an amount selected from the range: 2 g to 10 g.

14. A mixing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first chemical agent and the second chemical agent comprises a dye having a colour in solution.

15. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first chemical agent comprises a first dye having a first colour and the second chemical agent comprises a second dye having a second colour.

16. A mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first colour and the second colour produce a third colour when mixed.

17. A mixing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mixing apparatus further comprises a housing having a compartment arranged to accommodate the first container and the second container.

18. A mixing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the housing is further arranged to accommodate a desiccant.

19. A mixing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the desiccant comprises silicon dioxide.

20. A mixing apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the desiccant is comprised within a third container accommodated within the housing.

21. A mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the housing is substantially impermeable to water.

22. A method of mixing, wherein the method uses a mixing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: placing said first container and said second container into a fourth container either before or after placing a volume of a solvent into said fourth container; substantially dissolving said first container and said second container in said volume of said solvent, releasing said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent into said solvent; and substantially dissolving said first chemical agent and said second chemical agent in said solvent providing an activated solution.

23. A method of mixing as claimed in claim 22, wherein said first chemical agent comprises chlorine.

24. A method of mixing as claimed in claim 23, wherein said volume is such that the disinfectant solution comprises chlorine in an amount selected from the range: 500 parts per million to 5000 parts per million.

25. A method of mixing, as claimed in claim 24, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

using said activated solution to disinfect a surface.

26. A method of mixing as claimed in claim 25, wherein the method is used in a medical setting.

27. A method of mixing as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the solvent comprises water.