IT202000009052A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD OF SANITIZATION - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to the patent application for industrial invention entitled:

"DEVICE AND METHOD OF SANITIZATION"

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to a device and a method of sanitization.

The sanitation of internal environments and in particular of public spaces, such as health facilities, offices, companies, schools, and workplaces in general,? today an absolute necessity.

The sanitization of the environments including both the air and the internal surfaces, that is? an intervention aimed at eliminating at the base any bacteria and contaminating agents that cannot be removed with common cleaning,? considered among the measures pi? effective to eliminate bacteria and viruses present in the environments.

By focusing on the health sector, hospitals that have high hygiene requirements already perform frequent cleaning to reduce the spread of pathogens. There? ? commonly implemented by frequently cleaning surfaces with chemical disinfectants. While this traditional method is effective, traditional manual cleaning and disinfection practices are often suboptimal. Reasons for non-cleaning may be due to misunderstandings, deviations from the cleaning protocol, non-cleaning of all surfaces, incorrect dilution of the cleaning agent by the diluting machine or people, and ineffective surface structure of the cleaning equipment on some materials. In the hospital setting, such errors can increase the risk of spreading pathogens between different areas and patients. The inclusion in the current protocols of automatic and certified technologies allows to increase the level of effectiveness of the activity. cleaning / sanitizing and also guaranteeing a greater level of safety for the operators themselves. Various systems are currently known for sanitizing air and surfaces.

One known treatment uses ozone. Ozone? a strong oxidizing and disinfectant agent, capable of reacting with organic substances with double bond (unsaturated) and this characteristic? It has been used in many water and air treatment processes. The oxidizing action expounded by ozone has done s? that since its discovery it was used as a bactericidal, fungicidal and inactivating agent of viruses. The ozone? was initially used as a disinfectant agent in the production of drinking water, in France since 1906 and in Germany since 1972. The choice of ozone was based on the fact that it? pi? effective than other disinfectants towards a pi? broad spectrum of microorganisms.

Ozone is mainly produced in three different ways: by subjecting oxygen to high voltage electrical discharges (Corona effect), to ultraviolet radiation (185 nm) and also to some chemical processes (electrolysis of water). Ozone must always be produced at the place of use, as it cannot be stored in the gaseous state for more than a very short time.

Sanitization using ozone presents the problem of not being able to be carried out in the presence of people. Pu? therefore only be used in empty rooms. Furthermore, after this sanitation, the environments are not immediately accessible. Is it necessary to wait a certain time so that? the sanitized environment does not present more? dangerous levels of ozone for humans.

It is also known to carry out a sanitization by means of ultraviolet radiation. The germicidal ultraviolet radiation, in English "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation" (UVGI),? a sterilization method that uses ultraviolet light at the UV-C wavelength, capable of modifying the DNA or RNA of microorganisms and thus preventing them from reproducing and / or being harmful. Is ultraviolet radiation germicidal? produced by a mercury vapor lamp that emits UV at the desired wavelength. UV disinfection systems are designed to expose environments such as water containers, closed rooms and air conditioning systems to germicidal UV. Also this type of sanitation can? take place only in the absence of people. Furthermore, the action of the UV lamp remains limited to the irradiated surface, which is not very extensive. Sanitization is therefore effective only for small rooms.

Purpose of the present invention? to allow an effective and safe sanitation of an environment. A further purpose of the present invention? that of allowing sanitation even in the presence of people. According to the present invention, a device is provided having the characteristics defined in claim 1.

The use of an ultraviolet radiation lamp placed upstream of a HEPA filter allows a first sanitization of the air which is then completed by conveying the air on the HEPA filter.

Advantageously, the placement of the UV lamp in the vicinity? of the HEPA filter allows the irradiation of the filter itself and therefore its continuous sanitization.

In an advantageous embodiment, the treatment circuit comprises a catalytic filter, for example with activated carbon, arranged downstream of the HEPA filter. This allows for an adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during filtration.

If a pre-treatment of the air with ozone is carried out, the catalytic filter allows the removal of residual ozone.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sanitizing method comprises the features of claim 8.

Further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be more evident in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a non-limiting example of execution, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a unit? of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention. In figure 1 with 1? suitable for a sanitizing device, in particular for environments.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises at least a first air treatment circuit 2 having at least a first filter 3 with a particle filtration efficiency of 0.3? M (EF)? 80% and at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp 4, preferably UV-C, arranged upstream of the first filter 3.

The first filter 3? preferably of the HEPA type. The term HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) indicates a particular filtration system with high efficiency of fluids (liquids or gases). ? composed of filter sheets of microfibers, generally in borosilicate, assembled in pi? layers, separated by aluminum septa. The microfiber filter sheets have the task of blocking the polluting solid particles (or particulates) present in the fluid stream to be treated.

Alternatively, the first filter? ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) type HEPA filters and ULPA filters belong to the category of so-called "absolute filters", as they have a high filtration efficiency. In particular, HEPA filters have a filtration efficiency between 85% (H10) and 99.995% (H14), while ULPA filters have a filtration efficiency between 99.9995% (U15) and 99.999995% (U17). Consequently, they are classified according to the filtration efficiency of the particles of 0.3? M, in accordance with the UNI EN 1822-1: 2009 standards.

HEPA filters are grouped into 5 classes (from H10 to H14) with increasing performance characteristics. They are tested with the method of dispersion of a dioctylphthalate aerosol (DOP test): the calculated efficiency? > 99.999% with particles with a diameter of 0.3? m, also called MPPS (Most Penetrating Particle Size). Can HEPA filters retain larger particles? small of the MPPS through the diffusion filtration mechanism, as particles pi? small ones, like some viruses, often attach themselves to larger particles well retained on HEPA filters.

The first treatment circuit 2 preferably comprises at least a second catalytic filter 5, in particular an activated carbon filter, arranged downstream of the first HEPA filter 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the sanitizing device 1 comprises a containment 6, in particular substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped. Preferably containment? mobile, for example on castors.

The first treatment circuit 2 comprises one or more? 4 UV lamps, in particular UV-C lamps, and one or more? HEPA filters 3 arranged downstream of the UV 4 lamp.

Advantageously, the 4 UV lamp? arranged in the vicinity? of the HEPA filter 3, so as to irradiate the filter 3 itself.

The constant UV irradiation of the surface of the HEPA 3 filter guarantees effective disinfection of the incoming air as well as? a constant decontamination of the surface of the filter itself.

Advantageously, the first treatment circuit 2 comprises a forced ventilation circuit. The forced ventilation circuit has an inlet 7 for the air to be treated; an outlet 8 of the treated air; and at least one fan 9 located at the inlet 7, to convey the air towards the outlet 8. Preferably the ventilation circuit has a grid 10 in correspondence with the inlet 7 and a grid 11 in correspondence with the outlet 8 of the 'air.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the first treatment circuit 2 the inlet 7 of the air to be sanitized? arranged on a side wall, for example the front wall 12 of the containment 6. The outlet 8 of the filtered air? placed on the wall 13 of the containment 6 opposite the entrance. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises at least a first sensor 14 for detecting the concentration of substances in the environment which may be toxic, for example a sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone, described below. in detail below.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 comprises at least a second air treatment circuit 16 comprising at least one ozone generator 17.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the second treatment circuit 16? arranged in a separate containment 18.

Advantageously, the second treatment circuit 16 comprises a respective forced ventilation circuit. The forced ventilation circuit has an inlet 19 for the air to be treated; an outlet 20 of the treated air; and at least one fan 21 located at the inlet 19, to convey the air towards the outlet 20. Preferably the ventilation circuit has a grille 22 at the inlet 19 and a grille 23 at the outlet 20 of the air.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the second treatment circuit 16 the inlet 19 of the air to be sanitized? arranged on a side wall, for example on the front wall 24 of the containment 18. The outlet 20 of the sanitized air? located on the upper side 25 of the containment 18, in correspondence with the wall 26 opposite the air inlet 19. The release of sanitized air into the environment? preferably directed upwards.

The ozone generator 17? interposed between the inlet 19 and the outlet 20 of the ventilation circuit.

The ozone generator 17? advantageously a generator in which the production of ozone occurs by high voltage corona effect, converting the oxygen of the air to be treated.

Alternatively, in the ozone generator, ozone is produced by subjecting oxygen to ultraviolet radiation and / or chemical processes, such as water electrolysis.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the second treatment circuit 16, at the air inlet 19, in particular downstream of the fan 21,? arranged at least a second sensor 27 for detecting the ozone concentration.

The device 1 advantageously has a control unit 15 connected to the ignition system (Figure 3). The control unit 15? preferably connected to the first sensor 14 and / or to the second sensor 27.

During the operation of the ozone treatment circuit, the air, sucked in by the mechanical ventilation system, passes through the second sensor 27 which detects the concentration of inlet ozone allowing a controlled ignition of the ozone generator 17 located downstream. This guarantees a controlled dosage of ozone for a minimum time in order to guarantee the disinfection process.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the sanitizing device 1 comprises a single containment 28, in particular substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped, divided into two units: in the first unit? 29, arranged in the lower part of the containment 28,? placed the first treatment circuit 2, while in the second unit? 30, arranged in the upper part of the containment 28,? placed the second treatment circuit 16.

Containment 28? preferably mobile, for example on wheels.

The first treatment circuit 2 arranged in the first unit? 29 corresponds to that described with reference to Figure 1.

The second treatment circuit 3 arranged in the second unit? 30 corresponds to that described with reference to Figure 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, in the first treatment circuit 2 the inlet 7 of the air to be sanitized? arranged on the front wall 31 of the containment 28, in particular in the lower area. Outlet 8 of the filtered air? placed on the wall 32 of the containment 28 opposite the inlet 7, in particular at a greater height than inlet 7. The ventilation circuit has an intake from the front downwards and an intake from the rear towards the top.

In the second treatment circuit 16 inlet 19 of the air to be sanitized? arranged on the front wall 31 of the containment 28. The air intake takes place preferably downwards. Outlet 20 of the sanitized air? located on the upper side 33 of the containment 28, in correspondence with the wall 32 opposite the air inlet 19. The release of sanitized air into the environment? preferably directed upwards.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the first sensor 14 arranged in correspondence with the air inlet 7 in the first treatment circuit 2, in particular downstream of the fan 9,? preferably a sensor 14 for detecting the ozone concentration.

The control unit 15? preferably connected to the first sensor 14 for detecting the ozone concentration. The first sensor 14 for detecting the ozone concentration makes it possible to determine with certainty the conclusion of the ozone treatment in progress, guaranteeing access to sanitized rooms only with an ozone concentration lower than or equal to the legal limit.

The active carbon filter 5 ensures rapid removal of residual ozone at the end of the treatment as well as? an adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during ozone-free filtration.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 15 has an interface, for example a touch panel, for entering data such as the volume of the room or the selection of the treatment circuit. This allows to select the first treatment circuit 2 in the absence of individuals and to select instead the second treatment circuit 16 in which the disinfection continues thanks to the HEPA filter whose surface? continuously irradiated with UV-C lamps? executable even in the presence of people in the environment.

The device 1 preferably comprises at least one signaling device, for example an acoustic and / or light signaling device. A first alarm, for example acoustic, indicates the sanitization in progress and a second acoustic signal with associated signaling light signals the end of the sanitization cycle.

The device 1 advantageously comprises a printer for a machine issuing a certificate of successful sanitation with the measured parameters.

The device 1 preferably comprises safety means, such as for example a motion detection sensor to block the ozone treatment in the event of unauthorized entry into the room subject to reclamation, a door lock to interrupt the ignition of the UV lamps in the event of opening unauthorized protection carter, an hour meter to monitor the activity? and the duration of the corona lamp of the ozone generator, of the UV lamps, of the HEPA filter and of the Activated Carbon filter in order to preventive maintenance of the individual components.

For the sanitization of the environment, the device 1 advantageously has different modalities. of operation.

In a first mode, the control unit 15 activates the first treatment circuit 2 comprising the UV lamp 4, the HEPA filter 3 and possibly the activated carbon filter 5. The incoming air is irradiated with the UV lamp 4. C, preferably a low pressure lamp, before passing through the HEPA 3 filter.

This mode? can be set continuously even in the presence of people.

In a second mode, after setting the volume of the environment to be sanitized, the control unit 15 activates the second ozone treatment circuit 16. The production of ozone occurs due to the corona effect in high voltage by converting the oxygen of the air to be treated.

The second ozone sensor 27 detects the incoming ozone concentration and modulates the ignition of the corona lamp of the ozone generator 17 in order to maintain the target concentration for the time set by the program. In this way the ozone is diffused in all the ambient air, through the internal forced ventilation circuit, guaranteeing a minimum number of passages in the second treatment circuit 16.

Ozone, being more heavy with oxygen and nitrogen tends to deposit on the surfaces having a surface treatment action as well as air decontamination.

In a third mode, after setting the volume of the environment to be sanitized, the control unit 15 activates the second ozone treatment circuit 16. At the end of the ozone treatment time, the second circuit 16 is switched off and the first circuit 2 is activated, comprising the UV lamp 4, the HEPA filter 3 and the activated carbon filter 5 for the removal of residual ozone.

Downstream of the HEPA 3 filter, the activated carbon filter 5 carries out the catalytic decomposition of the residual ozone. The first sensor 14 for detecting residual ozone monitors the progress of the abatement until the maximum threshold of 0.1 ppm is reached.

At the end of the treatment cycle, a summary ticket is printed containing the following certification data of the successful sanitation. At the end of the cycle, the environment? immediately usable, thanks to the environmental residual ozone detector. The use of the environmental sensor ensures that the air entering the unit? disinfection system maintains the reference ozone concentration.

The sanitizing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

select a mode? sanitation;

in a first mode? to sanitize, activate at least a first air treatment comprising the steps of conveying the air to at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp 4, preferably UV-C, and conveying the irradiated air to at least a first filter 3 with an efficiency of filtration (EF)? 80%, preferably a HEPA type filter;

in a second mode? for sanitization, activate at least a second air treatment comprising the steps of: activating an ozone generator 17; convey the air present in the environment towards the ozone generator 17; diffuse the ozone in the environment.

Preferably, the first treatment comprises the step of irradiating the first filter 3 by means of the ultraviolet radiation lamp 4.

Advantageously, the first treatment comprises the step of conveying the air to a second catalytic filter 5, preferably an activated carbon filter, located downstream of the first filter 3.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of selecting a third mode. in which the air treatment with ozone is first activated and then the air treatment through the first filter 3 and the ultraviolet radiation lamp 4.

In an advantageous embodiment, the method provides for selecting the first and / or second treatment as a function of the concentration of ozone in the environment.

In particular, the method provides for activating the ozone generator 17 for a time such as to maintain the concentration of ozone at a preset level according to the characteristics of the environment to be sanitized. Thanks to the union and combination of different disinfection mechanisms, the device according to the present invention allows to act effectively both with complete sanitization treatments and through continuous sanitization of the filtered air.

The sanitizing device? a mobile device, programmable, easy to manage, to be used in all those circumstances in which it is necessary and / or compulsory to sanitize the air and surfaces in a closed environment.

The combination of physical, non-chemical disinfection mechanisms allows effective sanitization without any release of chemical substances into the environment: ozone completes its oxidizing action against indoor environmental contaminants (microorganisms, volatile organic compounds, bad smells? ) returns to its original form, that is? of oxygen. The UV-C rays are confined inside the disinfection chamber without any possibility? of uncontrolled emissions.

Do not ? pi? a continuous supply of chemical disinfectants is required. A maintenance program installed in the control unit warns the user in advance about the need? filter and UV lamp replacement. Furthermore, the chemical risk associated with the handling, storage and use of chemical disinfectants used for traditional sanitization is completely eliminated;

The device can? be kept in business? H24 / 7 in the mode? which provides only the second treatment ensuring continuous filtration of the air on HEPA and activated carbon filters and UV-C irradiation. This option is particularly important for all those sectors where there is a need. never to interrupt the activity, but at the same time provide for a continuous and constant environmental sanitation.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1. Sanitizing device comprising at least one first air treatment circuit (2) having at least one first filter (3) with a particle filtration efficiency of 0.3? M (EF)? 80%, preferably a HEPA type filter, and at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp (4), preferably UV-C, arranged upstream of the first filter (3) in the direction of air circulation. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultraviolet radiation lamp (4)? arranged in the vicinity? of the first filter (3). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first air treatment circuit (2) comprises at least a second catalytic filter (5), in particular an activated carbon filter, arranged downstream of the first filter (3). 4. Device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises at least a second treatment circuit (16) in which? at least one ozone generator (17). 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first circuit (2) and / or the second treatment circuit (16) comprises at least one forced air ventilation circuit. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one ozone concentration detection sensor (14; 27) arranged in correspondence with the first circuit (2) and / of the second circuit (16). 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (15) connected to at least one sensor (14; 27) for detecting the ozone concentration to automatically activate the first circuit (2) and / or the second treatment circuit (16) as a function of the ozone concentration detected by the sensor (14; 27). 8. Method of sanitizing an environment, including the steps of: selecting a mode? sanitation; in a first way? to sanitize, activate at least a first air treatment comprising the steps of conveying the air to at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp (4), preferably UV-C, and conveying the irradiated air to at least a first filter (3) with a filtration efficiency (EF)? 80%, preferably a HEPA type filter; in a second mode? for sanitization, activate at least a second air treatment comprising the steps of: activating an ozone generator (17); convey the air present in the environment towards the ozone generator (17); diffuse ozone in the environment. 9. Method of sanitization according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises the step of selecting a third mode? comprising the steps of: activating an ozone generator (17); convey the air present in the environment towards the ozone generator (17); spread ozone in the environment; turn off the ozone generator (17); conveying the air towards at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp (4), preferably UV-C; and convey the irradiated air towards at least one first filter (3) with a filtration efficiency (EF)? 80%, preferably a HEPA type filter. Sanitizing method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first treatment comprises the step of irradiating the first filter (3) by means of the ultraviolet radiation lamp (4). Method of sanitization according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the step of activating the first treatment and / or the second treatment as a function of the concentration of ozone in the environment.