GB2598617A - An air sterilisation device - Google Patents

An air sterilisation device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2598617A
GB2598617A GB2013967.1A GB202013967A GB2598617A GB 2598617 A GB2598617 A GB 2598617A GB 202013967 A GB202013967 A GB 202013967A GB 2598617 A GB2598617 A GB 2598617A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
air
housing
sterilisation
radiation
inlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2013967.1A
Other versions
GB202013967D0 (en
Inventor
Ironmonger Paul
Sharman Paul
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cpi Acoustical Ltd
Original Assignee
Cpi Acoustical Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cpi Acoustical Ltd filed Critical Cpi Acoustical Ltd
Priority to GB2013967.1A priority Critical patent/GB2598617A/en
Publication of GB202013967D0 publication Critical patent/GB202013967D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2021/052282 priority patent/WO2022049391A1/en
Publication of GB2598617A publication Critical patent/GB2598617A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/95—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying specially adapted for specific purposes
    • F24F8/98—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying specially adapted for specific purposes for removing ozone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
    • A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
    • A61L9/122—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor comprising a fan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/20—Casings or covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
    • F24F8/108—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/80—Self-contained air purifiers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0071—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units with means for purifying supplied air
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

An air sterilisation device comprising: a housing 12 with a lowermost inlet 14 and an uppermost outlet; first and second radiation shields defining a chamber 36 within the housing; an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source 32; a fan for generating a region of negative pressure at a predetermined distance from the inlet 14; wherein the area of negative pressure can be adjusted via a control device 42. The inlet 14 may be partly covered by an end cover 44, defining an inlet opening (Fig. 3, 46). The angle of the inlet opening 46 may be changed using the control device 42 by moving the end cover 44. The UV radiation may be UV-C. There may also be sensors to detect the air quality. The control device 42 may also calculate the UV dosage required to sterilise the air in the chamber. The device may further comprise a filter assembly 38, 40 (e.g. HEPA, ozone or activated carbon filters). The device may comprise a suspension arrangement for connecting the device to a ceiling assembly. The air drawn into the device is only taken from a predetermined area, minimising spread of and exposure to contaminants.

Description

An Air Sterilisation Device
FIELD
The present teachings relate to an air sterilisation device for sterilising air within an enclosed space.
BACKGROUND
Air filtration and sterilisation devices or systems are known for their use in removing harmful contaminants and particulates, for example bacteria, viruses, mould etc., from air within an enclosed space, such as within a room of a building. People are exposed to a growing number of health-threatening contaminants, and so the use of these systems is becoming increasingly important. Ultraviolet (UV) light has been long used for disinfection and sterilisation of air, and known sterilisation systems use such UV light to remove contaminants from air within an enclosed space.
In order to increase the volume of the air within an enclosed space that is sterilised, known sterilisation systems are provided with a fan to draw air into the system.
These known sterilisation systems generate an increased airflow over the room, which can disperse the contaminants in the air over an increased area, thus exposing an increased number of people to the contaminants in the air.
The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems
associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY
A first aspect of the teachings provides an air sterilisation device for sterilising contaminants in air within an enclosed space, the air sterilisation device comprising: a housing defining an inlet intended to be lowermost in use, an outlet intended to be uppermost in use so as to define an air flow path therethrough from the inlet to the outlet; first and second radiation shields spaced apart so as to define a chamber therebetween within the housing, wherein the first and second radiation shields are configured to enable air to flow therethrough; an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source within the chamber, the UV radiation source configured and arranged to irradiate air flowing through the chamber, in use; and a fan assembly configured to generate a region of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system, in use, so as to draw air into the housing via the inlet, wherein the region of negative pressure defines a cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance from the inlet of the air sterilisation system; and wherein the air sterilisation device comprises a control device configured to adjust the cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance from the inlet of the air sterilisation system.
This arrangement advantageously enables the size/area/region of negative pressure below an air sterilisation system to be adjusted to the size required for the specific application. This, in turn, helps to ensure that air that is drawn into the air sterilisation system is only taken from a pre-determined area, which helps to reduce/prevent potentially contaminated air from flowing across large areas of an enclosed space. Should the air contain contaminants, this helps to minimise the number of people exposed to said contaminant. Moreover, this arrangement helps to shield people within the region of negative pressure from contaminants outside of the region of negative pressure, and to shield people outside of the region of negative pressure from contaminants within the region of negative pressure.
The fan assembly maybe configured to draw air into the housing via the inlet, through the enclosed chamber and out of the outlet.
The housing may be substantially tubular, e.g. substantially cylindrical.
The tubular housing may have a diameter in the range 80-120mm, in the range 90-110mm, e.g. approximately 100mm.
The housing may define an inlet opening configured and arranged to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle. The control device may be configured to adjust the inlet opening to adjust angle at which the air is drawn into the housing.
Adjusting the angle at which the air enters the inlet advantageously enables the cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a predetermined distance away from the air sterilisation system to be adjusted as required for the specific application.
The air sterilisation device may comprise an end cover partially covering the housing inlet and spaced apart therefrom so as to define an inlet opening therebetween, said inlet opening configured to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle.
Advantageously, this arrangement enables a different inlet opening to be provided on different air sterilisation assemblies by providing a differently configured cowl.
The end cover may be moveable relative to the housing so as to adjust the angle at which the air is drawn into the housing.
Adjusting the angle at which the air enters the inlet advantageously enables the cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a predetermined distance away from the air sterilisation system to be adjusted as required for the specific application.
The inlet opening may be substantially annular.
The annular inlet opening may define an annular opening in the range 5-15mm, for example approximately lOmm.
The housing may define an inlet opening configured to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle, and wherein the inlet opening defines a substantially curved inlet duct.
The inlet opening duct may be arranged to be curved in a direction towards the floor of an enclosed space, e.g. curved downwards, in use.
This arrangement has been found to increase the effectiveness of the air sterilisation system to generate a region of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system over a pre-determined area at a distance below the system.
The fan assembly may comprise an impeller and a motor configured to drive the impeller, wherein the control device is configured to adjust the speed of the impeller.
Adjusting the speed of the impellor works to change the speed at which the air is drawn into the inlet, which advantageously adjusts the cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a predetermined distance away from the air sterilisation 25 system.
The UV radiation source may be configured to emit UV-C radiation.
The UV radiation source may comprise one or more UV bulbs, e.g. one or more mercury bulbs and/or one or more UV emitting LEDs.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source.
The control device may be configured to activate an indicator to indicate whether the UV radiation source is active or inactive.
This arrangement enables a user to determine how the UV emitter is functioning within the enclosed chamber, which is not safe to determine visually. Thus, an operator is able to visually determine whether or not the UV radiation source is functioning within pre-determined parameters.
The control device may be configured to calculate the UV radiation dosage required to sterilise air within the chamber, and to compare this with the UV radiation dosage received by air in the chamber based on the detected UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source, and to provide an output based on the comparison.
This enables an operator to be altered if an insufficient UV dosage is being applied to the air flowing through the air sterilisation system.
The control device may calculate a UV dosage given to the air in the chamber based on a speed of air flow through the housing, and wherein the control device is configured to adjust the speed of the impeller to adjust the speed of air flow through the chamber such that the UV radiation dosage given to the air in the enclose chamber is equal to or greater than the required UV radiation dosage.
The air sterilisation device may comprise an air flow meter configured to determine the speed of air flow through the housing.
This helps to ensure that the air flowing through air sterilisation system is sterilised prior to exiting the system.
The chamber may define an air flow path therethrough, and wherein one or more interior surfaces of the chamber air flow path is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source.
This arrangement helps to further increase the UV dosage received by air flowing through the chamber, without having to increase the output of the UV radiation source.
The chamber may define one or more air flow paths or ducts therethrough having a length greater than the spacing between the first and second radiation shields, and wherein the UV radiation source is configured and arranged irradiate the air as it flows through the one or more air flow paths or ducts.
An interior surface of each of the one or more air flow paths or ducts may be configured to reflect UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source.
The air sterilisation device may comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the positions of the first and second radiation shields, and wherein the control device is configured to cut power to the UV radiation source in response to a signal being received from the at least one sensor that at least one of the radiation shields is in an incorrect position.
The at least one sensor may comprise a proximity sensor.
This arrangement advantageously ensures that dangerous UV rays are not emitted into the enclosed space, which could be potentially harmful to people within the enclosed space.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a filter assembly comprising at least one filter element configured to filter air flowing through the housing for removing contaminants and particulates therefrom.
The at least one filter element may comprise a high efficiency particulate filter.
The at least one filter element may comprise a fibrous material, for example cotton material.
The filter assembly may comprise an ozone filter configured to filter ozone generated by the UV radiation source.
The at least one filter element may comprise an activated carbon cotton material.
The filter assembly may comprise first and second filter elements, and wherein said first and second filter elements define the first and second radiation shields.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a sensor for monitoring the at least one filter element and to provide an output when the at least one filter elements needs replacing.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit a signal indicative of whether or not the at least one filter element needs replacing to a processor at a remote location.
This arrangement advantageously allows for the state of the filter elements to be monitored without visual inspection, e.g. it enables the filter elements to be monitored remotely.
The air sterilisation device may comprise an indicator configured to indicate whether or not the air sterilisation system is functioning within pre-determined parameters.
The indicator may be an audio and/or visual indicator, for example a visual indicator ring.
This arrangement effectively alerts an operator to the occupancy state of the containers.
The air sterilisation device may comprise temperature and/or humidity sensors for monitoring the quality of air flowing through the housing.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a display for displaying the quality of air drawn into the inlet and driven out of the outlet.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit a signal indicative of air quality into and out of the air sterilisation system to a processor at a remote location and/or to transmit a signal indicative of whether or not the air sterilisation system has sterilised air flowing therethrough to a processor at a remote location.
This arrangement advantageously allows for the air sterilisation system, or a series/array of air sterilisation systems, to be monitored remotely.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a receiver, wherein the control device is configured to adjust the size of the area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance below the air sterilisation system upon receipt of a signal received by the receiver.
The air sterilisation device may comprise a suspension arrangement for suspending the system from above.
The suspension arrangement may comprise a mounting arrangement for connecting the air sterilisation system to a support structure of a ceiling assembly.
A further aspect of the teachings provides a ceiling assembly comprising: a support structure; and a sterilisation device according to the first aspect suspended from the support structure, wherein the support structure is a ceiling or a support frame of a suspended ceiling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of an air sterilisation device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the air sterilisation device of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the air sterilisation device of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) Referring to Figure 1, an air sterilisation system or device configured to sterilise contaminants in air within an enclosed space such as a room of a building is illustrated and indicated generally at 10.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 defines an inlet 14 intended to be lowermost in use. The housing 12 includes an outlet 14 intended to be uppermost in use. The housing 12 is substantially tubular, e.g. substantially cylindrical, in the illustrated arrangement. The tubular housing 12 may have a diameter in the range 80-120mm, in the range 90-110mm, e.g. approximately 100mm. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the housing 12 may be any suitable shape, configuration or size to suit the needs to the application.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a cowl 18. The cowl 18 is positioned around the housing 12, e.g. substantially around the inlet 14 of the housing 12. The cowl 18 is configured to conform to the shape of the inlet 14 of the housing 12. In the illustrated arrangement, the cowl is substantially circular.
The cowl 18 is provided with a cowl plate 20 extending therearound. The cowl plate 20 is provided in the form of a substantially square or rectangular plate 20, but any suitable shaped cowl plate 20 may be provided. The cowl plate 20 includes one or more, four in the present embodiment, cowl mounts 22. The cowl mounts 22 are provided for mounting ancillary components, such as lights (not shown) to the air sterilisation system 10. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the cowl plate 20, and so the cowl mounts 22, may be omitted.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a suspension arrangement for suspending the system 10 from above. The suspension arrangement includes a mounting arrangement 24 for connecting the air sterilisation system 10 to a support structure of a ceiling assembly (not shown) above the air sterilisation system 10. In this way, the air sterilisation system 10 is configured to be suspended from a structure, such as a ceiling, thereabove.
The suspension arrangement includes a suspension member 26, e.g. such as a wire, a cable or any other suitable means for suspending the air sterilisation system 10.
A first end 28 of the suspension member 26 is connected to the housing 12 via the mounting arrangement 24. A second end 30 of the suspension member 26 is configured to be attached to a support structure of a ceiling assembly (not shown).
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the air sterilisation system 10 includes a UV radiation source 32. The UV radiation source 32 is mounted within the housing 12 via a UV source mount 34.In the illustrated arrangement, the UV radiation source 32 is provided in the form of a UV bulb, e.g. a mercury bulbs. In alternative arrangements, the UV radiation source may be provided in the form of one or more UV emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs), or a combination of UV emitting LEDs and UV bulbs, or via any other suitable UV generating means.
The UV radiation source 32 is configured to emit UV-C radiation. UV-C is a high frequency wavelength of light within the ultraviolet band and has been shown to be particularly effective sterilising contaminants (e.g. viruses and/or bacteria). UV-C radiation may have wavelengths below 280nm, for example in the range 100nm to 280 nm or 200nm to 280 nm.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes first and second radiation shields spaced apart so as to define a chamber 36 therebetween. The radiation shields are configured to conform to the internal shape of the housing 12 such that there is substantially no space therebetween. The radiation shields are configured to prevent UV radiation from passing therethrough and to enable air to flow therethrough.
The UV radiation source 32 is positioned within the chamber 36 and is configured and arranged to irradiate air flowing through the housing 12. The radiation shields are configured such that the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source is unable to penetrate the shield such that the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source 32 is contained within the chamber 36. This helps to prevent dangerous UV radiation from being emitted out of the housing 12 and into a surrounding room. The interior walls of the chamber 36, in the illustrated embodiment defined by the interior surface of the housing 12, are coated with a reflective material. The reflective material is selected so as to be particularly reflective to UV-C light, such as a metallic material.
In the illustrated arrangement, the chamber 36 defines a direct flow path from the first to the second radiation shield, i.e. from the inlet of the chamber 36 to the outlet of the chamber 36. In alternative arrangements, however, air flow path through the chamber 36 may be greater than the distance between the first and second radiation shields. The chamber 36 may define one or more convoluted air flow paths or ducts extending between the inlet and outlet of the chamber 36 so as to increase the length of the flow path along which air has to travel. Put another way, in some alternative arrangements the chamber 36 is configured and arranged to define a tortuous air flow path therethrough. In such arrangements, the UV radiation source is configured and arranged irradiate the air as it flows through the convoluted air flow path or duct. Thus, this increased air flow path through the chamber 36 works to increase the UV radiation dosage applied to the air flowing through the housing 12 without requiring the length of the housing 12 to be increased. Moreover, in arrangement including the one or more convoluted air flow paths or ducts, it will be appreciated that the interior surfaces of these paths or ducts may be coated with a reflective material. The reflective material is selected so as to be particularly reflective to UV-C light, such as a metallic material.
Although not illustrated, the air sterilisation system 10 may include a sensor configured to detect the positions of the first and second radiation shields. A control device 42 may be configured to cut power to the UV radiation source 32 in response to a signal being received from the sensor that one or both of the radiation shields are incorrectly positioned/fitted within the housing. In such arrangements, the sensor may be a proximity sensor, a compression sensor, a camera or any other suitable sensing arrangement.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a filter assembly configured and arranged to filter air flowing through the housing 12 for removing contaminants and particulates therefrom.
The filter assembly includes a first filter element 38. The first filter element 38 is positioned at or near the outlet 16 of the housing 12. The filter assembly includes a second filter element 40. The second filter element 40 is positioned at or near the inlet 14 of the housing 12. In the present arrangement, the first and second filter elements 38, 40 form the first and second radiation shields. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the first and second radiation shields may be provided separately from the first and second filter elements 38, 40.
The first and/or second filter elements 38, 40 may be provided in the form of a high efficiency particulate filter. The filter elements 38, 40 may include a fibrous material, for example a fibrous cotton material. The first and/or second filter elements 38, 40 may be configured to as an ozone filter configured to filter ozone generated by the UV radiation source 32. In such arrangements, the first and/or second filter elements 38, 40 may include an activated carbon cotton material. In alternative arrangements, the air sterilisation system 10 may include one or more ozone filters that are separate from the first and/or second filter elements 38, 40.
Although not illustrated, the air sterilisation system 10 may include one or more sensors configured to monitoring the state the filter elements 38, 40. The control device 42 may be configured to generate a signal when one or more filter elements 38, 40 needs to be replaced.
In some arrangements, the control device 42 may activate an indicator (not shown) on the air sterilisation system 10 to indicate when a filter element 38, 40 needs to be replaced, and/or the control device 42 may transmit a signal to a remote location via a transmitter (not shown) when a filter element 38, 40 needs to be replaced.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes an end cover 44 partially covering the inlet 14 of the housing 12. The end cover 44 is spaced apart from the housing 12 so as to define an inlet opening 46 therebetween. Put another way, the end cover 44 is radially spaced apart from a radially inner surface of the housing 12 so as to define an inlet opening 46 therebetween. The end cover 44 and the second filter element 40 form the second radiation shield.
In the illustrated arrangement, the inlet opening 46 is substantially annular, but the shape of the inlet opening 46 may be changed to suit the application or to correspond to the shape of the housing 12. the inlet opening may define an opening, e.g. an annular opening, in the range 5 to 15mm, for example the inlet opening 46 may be approximately lOmm. Put another way, the end cover 44 may be spaced apart from the housing by a distance in the range 5 to 15mm, e.g. approximately lOmm, so as to define the inlet opening 46.
The inlet opening 46 is configured to draw air into the housing 12 at a pre-determined angle. This configuration (e.g. liner, curved, angled), defines the predetermined angle at which air is drawn into the housing 12. Thus, by the fitting of a differently configured end cover 44 to the housing 12, the pre-determined angle may be able to be changed.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a fan assembly. The fan assembly is configured to draw air into the housing 12 via the inlet 14, through the chamber 36 and out of the housing via the outlet 16. The fan assembly includes an impeller 48 and a motor 50 configured to drive the impeller 48.
The fan assembly is configured to generate a region of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system 10 so as to draw air into the housing 12. The region of negative pressure defines an area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance below the air sterilisation system 10. The control device 42 is configured to adjust the size of this area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance below the air sterilisation system 10. Thus, the size/area/region of negative pressure below the air sterilisation assembly 10 can be adjusted to the size required for a particular application. This, in turn, helps to reduce/prevent potentially contaminated air from flowing across large areas of a room.
In some arrangements, the control device 42 may be configured to adjust the fan assembly to adjust the size of the area of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system 10. Put another way, the control device 42 may adjust the speed of the impeller 48 via the motor 50 to adjust the size of the area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance below the air sterilisation system 10.
In some arrangements, the control device 42 may be configured to adjust the angle at which the air is drawn into the housing 12 to adjust the size of the area of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system 10. The control device 42 may be configured to adjust the inlet opening 46 to adjust the angle at which the air is drawn into the housing 12.
The end cover 44 is moveable relative to the housing 12. Adjustment of the inlet opening 46 may be carried out by adjusting the position of the end cover 44 relative to the housing 12. This adjustment may be carried out by the control device 42. In some arrangements, the adjustment of the end cover 44 may be able to be carried out manually.
As discussed above, the opposing surfaces of the end cover 44 and housing 12 define the inlet opening 46. Put another way, the end cover 44 and housing 12 define an inlet duct therebetween. The control device 42 is configured to adjust the angle of this inlet duct so as to adjust the angle at which air enter the housing 12.
The inlet duct may be substantially curved, e.g. the inlet duct may be curved downwardly (i.e. towards the floor of an enclosed space in use). In alternative arrangements, the inlet duct may be substantially linear and may be angled relative to an elongate axis of the housing 12.
The air sterilisation system 10 includes a sensor (not shown) configured to detect the UV radiation emitted (i.e. wavelength and intensity) by the UV radiation source 22. The control device 42 is configured to generate a signal indicative of whether the UV radiation source 32 is active or inactive. In some arrangements, the control device 42 may activate an indicator (not shown) on the air sterilisation system 10 to indicate whether or not the UV radiation source is active or inactive, and/or the control device may transmit a signal to a remote location via a transmitter (not shown) relating to the state of the UV radiation source 32.
The control device 42 is configured to calculate the UV radiation dosage required to sterilise air within the chamber 36. This required UV radiation dosage is then compared with the UV radiation dosage given to air in the chamber 36. The determination of the UV radiation dosage given to air in the chamber 36 is based on the detected UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source 32. The control device 42 calculates the UV dosage given to the air in the chamber 36 based on the expected speed of the air flow through the housing 12 due to the impeller 48. In some arrangements, the air sterilisation system 10 may be provided with an air flow meter (not shown) to determine the rate or speed of the air flow through the housing 12. The air flow meter helps to improve the accuracy of the control device 42 calculation of the UV dosage given to the air in the chamber 36.
The control device 42 is configured to provide an output based on the comparison.
The control device 42 is configured to generate a signal based on the comparison.
In some arrangements, the control device 42 may activate an indicator (not shown) on the air sterilisation system 10 to indicate whether or not a sufficient UV radiation dosage is being applied to air within the chamber 36, and/or the control device 42 may transmit a signal to a remote location via a transmitter (not shown) relating to whether or not a sufficient UV radiation dosage is being applied to air within the chamber 36.
The control device 42 may be configured to adjust the speed of the impeller 48 to adjust the speed of air flow through the chamber 36 such that the UV radiation dosage given to the air in the enclose chamber 36 is equal to or greater than the required UV radiation dosage.
Although not illustrated, the air sterilisation system 10 may include an indicator (not shown) configured to indicate whether or not the air sterilisation system 10 is functioning correctly. Put another way, the air sterilisation system 10 may include an indicator (not shown) configured to indicate whether or not the air flow through the system 10 has been sterilised sufficiently. The indicator may be provided in the form of an audio or visual indicator. The visual indicator may take the form of an indicator ring, e.g. having different colours to indicate the operational state of the airt sterilisation system 10. The indicator ring may be provided on the end cover 44, on the cowl 18, or on the housing 12.
Although not illustrated, the air sterilisation system 10 may include a display for displaying the quality of air drawn into the inlet and driven out of the outlet.
The information regarding the state of the filters, the dosage applied to the air flowing through the chamber 36, the air quality in and out of the system 10, and all of the other information processed by the control device 42 may be stored on memory (not shown) for later use or record keeping. The information may be transmitted via a transmitter (not shown) to another device, such as a computer or mobile telephone, at a remote location. This arrangement advantageously allows for the air sterilisation system 10, or a series of air sterilisation systems 10, to be monitored remotely.
Although not illustrated, the air sterilisation system 10 may also include a heat exchanger, e.g. contained within the housing 12. In such arrangements, the heat exchanger is provided to heat or cool air flowing through the air sterilisation system 10 to a pre-determined temperature. The control device 42 may be configured to control operation of the heat exchanger based on an air temperature sensed within the housing and a pre-determined target temperature.
Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

  1. Claims 1. An air sterilisation device for sterilising contaminants in air within an enclosed space, the air sterilisation device comprising: a housing defining an inlet intended to be lowermost in use, an outlet intended to be uppermost in use so as to define an airflow path therethrough from the inlet to the outlet; first and second radiation shields spaced apart so as to define a chamber therebetween within the housing, wherein the first and second radiation shields are configured to enable air to flow therethrough; an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source within the chamber, the UV radiation source configured and arranged to irradiate air flowing through the chamber, in use; and a fan assembly configured to generate a region of negative pressure below the air sterilisation system, in use, so as to draw air into the housing via the inlet, wherein the region of negative pressure defines a cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance from the inlet of the air sterilisation system; and wherein the air sterilisation device comprises a control device configured to adjust the cross-sectional area of negative pressure at a pre-determined distance from the inlet of the air sterilisation system.
  2. 2. An air sterilisation device according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines an inlet opening configured and arranged to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle, and wherein the control device is configured to adjust the inlet opening to adjust angle at which the air is drawn into the housing.
  3. 3. An air sterilisation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an end cover partially covering the housing inlet and spaced apart therefrom so as to define an inlet opening therebetween, said inlet opening configured to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle.
  4. 4. An air sterilisation device according to claim 3, wherein the end cover is moveable relative to the housing so as to adjust the angle at which the air is drawn into the housing.
  5. 5. An air sterilisation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the inlet opening is substantially annular, optionally wherein the annular inlet opening defines an annular opening in the range 5-15mm, for example approximately lOmm.
  6. 6. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing defines an inlet opening configured to draw air into the housing at a pre-determined angle, and wherein the inlet opening defines a substantially curved inlet duct, optionally wherein the inlet opening duct is arranged to curved in a direction towards the floor of an enclosed space, e.g. curved downwards, in use.
  7. 7. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fan assembly comprises an impeller and a motor configured to drive the impeller, and wherein the control device is configured to adjust the speed of the impeller.
  8. 8. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the UV radiation source is configured to emit UV-C radiation, optionally wherein the UV radiation source comprises one or more UV bulbs, e.g. one or more mercury bulbs and/or one or more UV emitting LEDs.
  9. 9. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a sensor configured to detect the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source, optionally wherein the control device is configured to activate an indicator to indicate whether the UV radiation source is active or inactive.
  10. 10. An air sterilisation device according to claim 9, wherein the control device is configured to calculate the UV radiation dosage required to sterilise air within the chamber, and to compare this with the UV radiation dosage received by air in the chamber based on the detected UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source, and to provide an output based on the comparison.
  11. 11. An air sterilisation device according to claim 10, wherein the control device calculates UV dosage given to the air in the chamber based on a speed of air flow through the housing, and wherein the control device is configured to adjust the speed of the impeller to adjust the speed of air flow through the chamber such that the UV radiation dosage given to the air in the enclose chamber is equal to or greater than the required UV radiation dosage, optionally wherein the air sterilisation device comprises an air flow meter configured to determine the speed of air flow through the housing.
  12. 12.An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber defines an air flow path therethrough, and wherein one or more interior surfaces of the chamber air flow path is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source.
  13. 13. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber defines one or more air flow paths or ducts therethrough having a length greater than the spacing between the first and second radiation shields, and wherein the UV radiation source is configured and arranged irradiate the air as it flows through the one or more air flow paths or ducts, optionally wherein an interior surface of each of the one or more air flow paths or ducts is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source.
  14. 14. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one sensor configured to detect the positions of the first and second radiation shields, and wherein the control device is configured to cut power to the UV radiation source in response to a signal being received from the at least one sensor that at least one of the radiation shields is in an incorrect position, optionally wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor.
  15. 15. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a filter assembly comprising at least one filter element configured to filter air flowing through the housing for removing contaminants and particulates therefrom.
  16. 16. An air sterilisation device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one filter element comprises a high efficiency particulate filter, optionally wherein the at least one filter element comprises a fibrous material, for example cotton material.
  17. 17. An air sterilisation device according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the filter assembly comprises an ozone filter configured to filter ozone generated by the UV radiation source, optionally wherein the at least one filter element comprises an activated carbon cotton material.
  18. 18. An air sterilisation device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the filter assembly comprises first and second filter elements, and wherein said first and second filter elements define the first and second radiation shields.
  19. 19. An air sterilisation device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising a sensor for monitoring the at least one filter element and to provide an output when the at least one filter elements needs replacing, optionally wherein the air sterilisation system comprises a transmitter configured to transmit a signal indicative of whether or not the at least one filter element needs replacing to a processor at a remote location.
  20. 20. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising an indicator configured to indicate whether or not the air sterilisation system is functioning within pre-determined parameters, optionally wherein the indicator is an audio and/or visual indicator.
  21. 21. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising temperature and/or humidity sensors for monitoring the quality of air flowing through the housing.
  22. 22. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a display for displaying the quality of air drawn into the inlet and driven out of the outlet.
  23. 23. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a signal indicative of air quality into and out of the air sterilisation system to a processor at a remote location and/or to transmit a signal indicative of whether or not the air sterilisation system has sterilised air flowing therethrough to a processor at a remote location.
  24. 24. An air sterilisation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a suspension arrangement for suspending the system from above, optionally wherein the suspension arrangement comprises a mounting arrangement for connecting the air sterilisation system to a support structure of a ceiling assembly.
  25. 25.A ceiling assembly comprising: a support structure; and a sterilisation device according to any preceding claim suspended from the support structure, wherein the support structure is a ceiling or a support frame of a suspended ceiling.
GB2013967.1A 2020-09-04 2020-09-04 An air sterilisation device Pending GB2598617A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2013967.1A GB2598617A (en) 2020-09-04 2020-09-04 An air sterilisation device
PCT/GB2021/052282 WO2022049391A1 (en) 2020-09-04 2021-09-03 An air sterilisation device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2013967.1A GB2598617A (en) 2020-09-04 2020-09-04 An air sterilisation device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202013967D0 GB202013967D0 (en) 2020-10-21
GB2598617A true GB2598617A (en) 2022-03-09

Family

ID=72841211

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2013967.1A Pending GB2598617A (en) 2020-09-04 2020-09-04 An air sterilisation device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2598617A (en)
WO (1) WO2022049391A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220212143A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-07-07 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Gas treatment device and gas treatment method
GB2628097A (en) * 2023-03-10 2024-09-18 Biozone Scient Group Limited A chamber for use in a fluid sterilisation unit

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114699850B (en) * 2021-05-21 2024-08-02 长城汽车股份有限公司 Air cleaner and method of assembling the same
CN115419986A (en) * 2022-11-02 2022-12-02 赛多空气净化技术(廊坊)有限公司 Household air purifier
CN115721746A (en) * 2022-11-22 2023-03-03 遵义医科大学附属医院 Be used for sterile disinfection cleaning device in biological test place

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2543521Y (en) * 2002-05-28 2003-04-09 福建新大陆环保科技有限公司 Moveable ultravolet ray circular air sterilizing purifier
CN202270202U (en) * 2011-09-30 2012-06-13 浙江金兆丰光电科技有限公司 Sterilizing equipment
WO2014191225A2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Jerry Borander Filter unit, its use and method of cleaning contaminated air
KR20160054730A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-17 서울바이오시스 주식회사 A Compact Air Cleaner Using UV LED and Photocatalytic Filter
CN106288005A (en) * 2016-08-25 2017-01-04 中山市奥鸿电子科技有限公司 Composite purification system
US20190240370A1 (en) * 2017-03-16 2019-08-08 Bluezone Ip Holding Llc Air treatment system and method of use

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI301074B (en) * 2003-10-27 2008-09-21 Hermannus Gerhardus Maria Silderhuis Air treatment device
DE102005003923A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Schröder, Werner Device and method for disinfecting room air
CN111594952A (en) * 2020-06-22 2020-08-28 昆山夫恩特电器有限公司 Medical light quantum anti-virus and bacteria cross infection intelligent purification robot

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2543521Y (en) * 2002-05-28 2003-04-09 福建新大陆环保科技有限公司 Moveable ultravolet ray circular air sterilizing purifier
CN202270202U (en) * 2011-09-30 2012-06-13 浙江金兆丰光电科技有限公司 Sterilizing equipment
WO2014191225A2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Jerry Borander Filter unit, its use and method of cleaning contaminated air
KR20160054730A (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-17 서울바이오시스 주식회사 A Compact Air Cleaner Using UV LED and Photocatalytic Filter
CN106288005A (en) * 2016-08-25 2017-01-04 中山市奥鸿电子科技有限公司 Composite purification system
US20190240370A1 (en) * 2017-03-16 2019-08-08 Bluezone Ip Holding Llc Air treatment system and method of use

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220212143A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-07-07 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Gas treatment device and gas treatment method
US11583801B2 (en) * 2019-05-21 2023-02-21 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Gas treatment device and gas treatment method
GB2628097A (en) * 2023-03-10 2024-09-18 Biozone Scient Group Limited A chamber for use in a fluid sterilisation unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022049391A1 (en) 2022-03-10
GB202013967D0 (en) 2020-10-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
GB2598617A (en) An air sterilisation device
JP5486636B2 (en) Positive air pressure isolation system
US10946321B1 (en) UV enabled fins encapsulation system
JP6446452B2 (en) Air sterilization and disinfection equipment
CA2368494C (en) Ultraviolet air purifying apparatus
US20060057020A1 (en) Cleaning of air
US20090098014A1 (en) Structure and Method of Air Purification
US20080019861A1 (en) Air Treatment Method and Device
US11383000B2 (en) Aerosol sterilization surgical lamp using UV light and visible light
US11555604B2 (en) Airflow-channeling surgical light system and method
KR101320703B1 (en) Multi-functional ventilating unit
US11666845B2 (en) Air purification device
KR101796291B1 (en) Ultraviolet air sterlizer and control method thereof
US20220040620A1 (en) Uv enabled fins encapsulation system
KR102250587B1 (en) Sterilizing module and home appliance including the same
JP4426954B2 (en) Surgical light
CN211584454U (en) Ultraviolet air sterilizing device
CN115734790A (en) Pollution control device, method and system
US20080131331A1 (en) Fan Units
US20230248466A1 (en) Lighthead having integrated ambient environmental condition sensor
WO2022153132A1 (en) Air filtering system for filtering pathogenic agents and dust
TWI702368B (en) Air purifier and air purifying cylinder
TW202206125A (en) Ultraviolet ray irradiation device and air blowing system using the same efficiently irradiating an entire filter with ultraviolet rays by using fewer ultraviolet light emitting elements
CN112303737A (en) Air conditioner air inlet structure, air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner
CN117098565A (en) UVC sterilization module and related modular sterilization assembly