IT202000016609A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR AIR PURIFICATION AND SANITIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTS AND RELATED TREATMENT METHOD - Google Patents

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR PURIFICATION OF THE AIR AND SANITIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTS AND RELATED METHOD OF TREATMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a particularly compact air purification and room sanitizing apparatus which incorporates a series of devices capable of performing the required tasks, as well as a related method of treatment of environments.

STATE OF THE ART

The Sars Covid-19 pandemic? destined to change the behaviors to which we are accustomed for a long time. All the confined spaces in which we spend most of our lives must be reconsidered in order to be protected from potential contagion deriving from their crowding and pollution.

Is a new sensibility developing today? towards the environment, in particular towards IAQ - indoor air quality ? induced by the current situation, but more and more? subject to air pollution.

Air treatment in confined spaces? been the subject of extensive scientific discussions regarding the potential transmissibility? of contagion through the systems and their maintenance. Much can be done? to improve the systems and integrate them with suitable solutions to allow the abatement and control of contamination within acceptable limits, also in the environments of common life and not only in the hospital, pharmaceutical and aerospace fields, where these technologies are already known and individually used.

In fact, the current state of the sanitization technique, as described by the current protocols issued by the bodies responsible for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, almost exclusively provides for the use of chemical sanitizers distributed manually or through spraying equipment.

It must be said that in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, the most well-known sanitization systems? commonly used are made by wet nebulization of sanitizing and disinfectant products, with the drawback that in this way there is a certain environmental impact with wet treated surfaces. Furthermore, importantly, the known misting systems require that the premises and environments subjected to remediation and sanitization be of the watertight type, which entails long times, in particular after remediation and disinfection, before being able to use the premises treated.

Furthermore, separate systems are foreseen to purify the environments that cannot be used with the effectiveness that would be required and desired.

L? where there are no ventilation and/or air conditioning systems and where it is not possible or unwilling to put a hand to them, there are currently no automatic solutions that ensure complete sanitization of confined spaces and adequate purification of the air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

General purpose of the present invention ? therefore that of overcoming the drawbacks indicated above relating to the state of the prior art.

That purpose? achieved thanks to the apparatus and method having the characteristics set forth in the attached claims which form an integral part of the present description.

An air purification and room sanitizing apparatus according to the present invention comprises in combination within a supporting structure: a first section dedicated to room sanitization; a second section dedicated to air purification; and a third section dedicated to air treatment; wherein said second and third sections are able to be operated continuously while said first section ? that can be activated selectively, in particular in the absence of people inside the rooms, when said second section ? deactivated and said third section ? deactivated or works with reduced air flow, in particular minimum.

According to the present invention the first section preferably ? consisting of a compressor, preferably but not only placed in the lower part of the structure, connected by pipe to one or more? nebulization nozzles of a sanitizing liquid taken through a pipe, also connected to said one or more? misting nozzles associated with Venturi devices.

In particular the compressor ? arranged in the lower part of the structure and one or more? nebulization nozzles are placed preferably but not only at the top? of the structure of the equipment.

According to the present invention the second section ? consisting of a photocatalytic oxidation device arranged in a duct made in the ambient air passage structure.

Still according to the present invention, the photocatalytic oxidation device comprises an ultraviolet lamp in association with a catalyst capable of carrying out a photocatalytic oxidation process which combines ultraviolet light, oxygen and humidity with present in the air.

According to the present invention the third section ? consists of a mechanical filtration system associated with a fan that draws in ambient air and sends it through a duct to one or more? air outlet vents.

Preferably, the mechanical filtration system of the third section comprises at least one ambient air inlet opening in a chamber at the exit of which acoustically insulated chamber an air filter is associated in turn associated with a further chamber, also acoustically insulated, in which said fan is provided and, preferably in the duct which is in turn acoustically insulated, ? arranged a photocatalytic oxidation device.

This section can be equipped with an eventual air humidification system, if necessary.

This new air purification and room sanitization equipment represents a solution that can be easily used without modifying the existing systems, constituting an alternative or even a simple addition in all environments subject to crowding, which require continuous purification and scheduled sanitization .

ADVANTAGES

The continuous purification of the air through the equipment according to the present invention in fact allows any user of a confined space to breathe clean air whose quality is guaranteed. ? higher than that obtained from the current mechanical filters pi? sophisticated, where installed. In fact, these are not able to eliminate viral loads, but? within the limits of current technology, they limit themselves to intercepting them. Therefore it is necessary both to purify the air continuously and to sanitize the environment after its use in compliance with the protocols recommended by the authorities, in order to ensure complete and effective protection of users from pathogens and pollutants.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, yes? integrated in a single device more? sanitizing and purifying systems with versatility of the equipment, simplicity? of use and reduction to a minimum of the dimensions of the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of at least one preferred non-limiting embodiment thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The different features in the individual configurations can be combined with each other as desired according to the previous description, if one has to make use of the advantages specifically resulting from a particular combination.

In such drawings,

- figure 1 ? an elevation view showing a section of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an operational configuration;

- figure 1a shows a top view of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 2 shows a partial view of the apparatus of figure 1 which highlights a section of the apparatus itself dedicated to sanitization;

- figure 3 also shows a partial view of the apparatus of figure 1 which highlights a section of the apparatus dedicated to the continuous purification of the environment by photocatalytic oxidation;

- figure 4 shows a partial view of the apparatus of figure 1 which highlights a section of the apparatus itself dedicated to the treatment of the air.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE FORM OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for the illustration of the figures, identical reference numerals are used to designate construction elements with the same function. Furthermore, for clarity of illustration, some reference numbers may not be repeated in all the figures.

Indications such as "vertical" and "horizontal", ?upper? and ?inferior? (in the absence of other indications) should be read with reference to the assembly (or operating) conditions and referring to the normal terminology in use in current language, where "vertical" indicates a direction substantially parallel to that of the gravity force vector? "g" is horizontal a direction perpendicular to it.

With general reference to the various figures, ? shown is a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of a particularly compact air purification and room sanitizing apparatus which incorporates a series of devices capable of performing the required tasks according to the present invention, indicated as a whole by 11 .

The apparatus 11 constitutes an integrated system which, as will be seen, is capable of automatically purifying the air continuously and sanitizing environments and surfaces by means of complementary and alternative technologies, incorporating these technologies into a single ?stand alone? integrated that uses them in a suitably calculated air flow.

The equipment? an assembly essentially composed of three sections 12, 13 and 14 and as a whole appears as indicated by way of example in figure 1.

A first section 12, highlighted in figure 2, ? willing, what? like the other sections 13 and 14, inside a bearing structure 15 in the form of a totem, with any section, square, circular, etc., which in the non-limiting example ? octagonal with related dividers and shelves.

This first section 12 ? dedicated to sanitization and essentially comprises a compressor 16, arranged in the lower part of the structure, connected via pipe 17 to one or more? 18 misting nozzles arranged at the top? of the structure 15 of the apparatus. A Venturi effect arrangement also connects a sanitizing liquid storage tank 20 to these nozzles 18 via a further pipe 19. This sanitizing liquid is not? other than for example a sanitizing solution consisting of an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, silver nitrate and/or silver salts. Such a solution exploits the oxidizing action of the hydrogen peroxide which eliminates the pathogens and ? active against a wide range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, spores, etc. An optimal bactericidal action is therefore achieved which avoids any proliferation. The nebulization nozzles 18 arranged at the top? of the structure 15 of the apparatus are inclined at 45? preferably, but they can also be with a different inclination or even directed vertically upwards and outwards if the geometry of the room requires it according to the best distribution of the nebulization itself.

In summary, therefore, the first section 12 ? a section intended for sanitization and which uses disinfectant liquid nebulization technology, for example normally used in hospitals, but not exclusively, which is? consisting of an air compression system 16, a storage tank 20 of sanitizing liquid and one or more? 18 misting nozzles by Venturi system.

This technology allows a shock treatment thanks to the oxidizing and sanitizing action of the hydroxyl radicals effective both in the environment and on the surfaces. The programmed saturation of the rooms with dry fog of a suitable sanitizing liquid (hydrogen peroxide with or without additives with silver salts and/or other sanitizing liquids suitable for use in different types of environments and on different types of surfaces), neutralizes the microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, spores, moulds, odours). This technology guarantees the treatment of all surfaces, even those that are difficult to access, with efficacy tested for up to 24 hours.

A second section 13, highlighted in figure 3, ? dedicated and intended for the continuous purification of ambient air. And this is done thanks to the provision of a photocatalytic oxidation device, such as a lamp or the like, generally now referred to for example as ?PCO? (= PhotoCatalytic Oxidation).

In fact, it is a question of arranging a photocatalytic oxidation device in a channel or duct 21 made in the structure 15 of the present apparatus. Such a device comprises, for example, at least one ultraviolet lamp 22 in association with a suitable catalyst 23.

The ultraviolet lamp 22 and the catalyst 23 are able to carry out a photocatalytic oxidation process which combines the ultraviolet light, oxygen and humidity naturally present in the air. The catalyst 23 for example ? composed of titanium and other noble metals and works to create a series of "friendly" oxidants. And these are oxygen and hydrogen-based oxidizers that return to the air as harmless carbon dioxide and water after oxidation.

All this has obvious advantages since? no chemicals are involved in this process and therefore no chemical residues remain from the process.

It is a question of introducing and using in the apparatus of the present invention a continuous purifying device which reproduces a natural process: the combined action of UV-C rays, humidity and and from titanium dioxide, it generates oxidizing ions capable of breaking down 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, moulds, PM2.5, PM10, allergens, odors present in the air and on surfaces as certified by the FDA.

The second section 13 of the apparatus of the present invention ? therefore the best solution available for the continuous sanitization of ambient air.

But the present invention also provides an advantageous arrangement which makes such an apparatus of considerable utility. since it is provided in combination with the arrangement of the second section 13, a third section 14 which ? highlighted in figure 4.

Such a third section 14 in fact ? intended for the preventive treatment of the air through a mechanical filtration system, transport by means of a highly silent fan? in the duct 21 that will be? suitably sized where yes? said is installed the photocatalytic oxidation device that you ? seen to produce the photocatalytic oxidation. This section can be implemented by a humidification and/or thermo-hygrometric treatment system of the air if necessary. Finally, the treated air is distributed in the environment after equalization of the flows and by means of adjustable vents.

Pi? precisely figure 4 shows how, for example, the structure 15 of the apparatus 11 provides at the bottom openings 24 for entering a chamber 25 at the exit of which acoustically insulated chamber an air filter 26 is associated for access to a further chamber 27, also acoustically isolated.

This second chamber 27 near an opening opposite to the exit from the first chamber 25 has a fan 28 which conveys the sucked air towards the aforementioned duct 21, which is in turn acoustically insulated. And this conduit 21 leads to the summit? of the structure, or in any case towards the outside of the same, through a series of vents 29 for the emission of purified air. The vents 29 can be orientable and generally arranged preferably but not exclusively on the top of the structure 15.

Advantageously, on the bottom of the structure 15 of the apparatus 11, there can be an adequate number of orientable wheels (not shown in the figures); preferably, these are positioned so as not to be substantially visible when the equipment is in use, for example positioned within corresponding locations ? for "basically invisible" you can? mean, for example, that only 5-15% is visible. In this way, the equipment can be moved and used at different times in different environments, for example in the same building.

An electrical switchboard 30 for automation and control, what is it? associated with a unit? electrical/electronic, brings together all the various connections and wiring to the individual sections and correlates their operation which can be activated and programmed by the operator. The unit? electric/electronic? typically equipped with a PLC controller (Program Logic Controller) 31. Said PLC controller 31 (with HMI interface) ? equipped with a specially dedicated integrated software that allows the operator to configure the operating parameters of section 12 (dosage of the sanitizer, duration of sanitization and tracking of the same, even remotely) and of section 14 (air flow rate of the fan). This section can be implemented to accommodate and manage additional IAQ-related parameters

Advantageously in addition to a first "HMI interface" for the operator ? advantageous to provide a second "HMI interface" for the user; this second interface ? more simple and can be constituted by a selector for example in the form of a knob (not shown in the figures) as an input device and a group of light indicators (not shown in the figures) such as LEDs as an output device. The knob could have more? positions, for example: equipment off, equipment on in mode? "automatic" (ie with operation according to the operator's settings), equipment switched on in mode? "manual is air sanitization only", appliance switched on in mode? "manual ? air purification only". For example, can you? be a spy that indicates if the equipment ? on or off, a light that indicates if ? activates sanitization, and a light that indicates if ? activates purification.

It is understood that such an equipment can? be designed for? activity? of continuous purification of? air in an environment and is or can? be sized according to the volume and surface of the environment, and the maximum potential crowding of the same environment.

The equipment? otherwise? programmed to activate the periodic sanitization part of the environments (with people absent) producing the dry fog in quantity? suitable for the volume and surface area of the environment and according to the time required to break down the residual bacterial and viral loads on the surfaces and the intended use of the premises.

Therefore, according to what has been explained up to now, it is noted that the apparatus of the present invention provides that the second and third sections 13, 14 are operated continuously. Otherwise, the first section 12 ? can be activated, according to programmable times as mentioned, in the absence of people inside the rooms when said second section 13 ? deactivated while the third section 14 operates with reduced air flow, in particular minimum.

Thanks to this, a purified and comfortable environment is created in the presence of people during the usual times of use of the environments and a sanitized environment of all surfaces, even those that are difficult to access. As mentioned, this technology allows a really important and considerable treatment through the saturation of the rooms with dry fog of a suitable sanitizing liquid in programmed times that do not influence the working hours or daily occupation of the environment, it neutralizes all those microorganisms that could nest in them .

It is also noted that according to the present invention a method for treating an environment has also been perfected which provides for a series of phases such as:

- room sanitization by nebulizing a sanitizing liquid in said room (in the case of the present invention one can speak of "dry fog");

- air purification by photocatalytic oxidation carried out in a flow of air taken from said environment and then returned to said environment;

- air treatment by filtering with possible thermal and/or hygrometric control;

wherein said sanitization and said purification are carried out at separate times, and wherein said sanitization is carried out in the absence of people in said environment.

Typically, the absence/presence of people in the room is not detected by means of special sensors, but, indirectly, by programming the sanitisation at times of the day and/or week in which the presence of people is not expected; for example, in the case of an office, you can? plan sanitization between 9 in the evening and 5 in the morning when there are certainly no employees in the office.

In general, advantageously, an operator is expected to configure the various operating parameters of the equipment (not just the times) according to the place where ? putting the equipment into operation.

In general, ? it is advantageous to provide that the activation of sanitization can take place manually at any time.

The treatment of air can? be carried out both during sanitization and during purification. However, preferably, the air treatment during the sanitization is carried out with a much reduced air flow (at the zero limit) with respect to the normal one, for example with a flow rate from 1/10 to 1/3.

From the description made, the characteristics of the apparatus object of the present invention are clear, so how clear are the relative advantages.

From the embodiment described above, further variations are possible, without departing from the teaching of the present invention.

? clear, finally, that a device so? conceived ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the present invention; moreover all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as? the dimensions may be any according to the technical requirements.

Claims (17)

1. Air purification and room sanitization equipment comprising in combination within a supporting structure (15): a first section (12) dedicated to environmental sanitization; a second section (13) dedicated to air purification; a third section (14) dedicated to air treatment; wherein said second and third sections (13, 14) are able to be operated continuously while said first section (12) ? that can be activated selectively, in particular in the absence of people inside the rooms, when said second section 13 ? deactivated and said third section (14) ? deactivated or works with reduced air flow, in particular minimum. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first section (12) is consisting of a compressor (16), preferably but not only arranged in the lower part of the structure, connected via pipe (17) to one or more? spray nozzles (18) of a sanitizing liquid taken through a pipe, also connected to said one or more? misting nozzles (18) equipped with Venturi device. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said compressor (16) is arranged in the lower part of the structure (15) and said one or more? atomization nozzles (18) are placed preferably but not only at the top? of the structure of the equipment. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second section (13) is consisting of a photocatalytic oxidation device (22, 23) arranged in a duct (21) made in the ambient air passage structure (15). 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said photocatalytic oxidation device comprises an ultraviolet lamp (22) in association with a suitable catalyst (23) capable of carrying out a photocatalytic oxidation process which combines ultraviolet light, oxygen and humidity present in the air. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said catalyst (23) is composed of titanium and other noble metals and works to create oxygen and hydrogen based oxidants capable of returning to the air in the form of carbon dioxide and water after oxidation. 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said third section (14) is consisting of a mechanical filtration system associated with a fan (28) which draws ambient air and sends it through a duct (21) to one or more? air outlet vents (29). 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical filtration system of said third section (14) comprises at least one ambient air inlet opening (24) in a chamber (25) at the outlet of which chamber a filter is associated air (26) in turn associated with a further chamber (27) in which said fan (28) is provided. 9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in said conduit (21) of said mechanical filtration system ? arranged a photocatalytic oxidation device (22, 23). 10. Equipment according to one or more of the previous claims, in which a unit? electric/electronic (30) able to control the functioning of said first, second and third sections (12, 13, 14). 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said unit? electrical/electronic (30) brings together all the various connections and wiring to the individual sections (12, 13, 14) and correlates their operation which can be activated and programmed by the operator. 12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said unit? electrical/electronic (30) comprises a PLC controller (31) which allows the management of the functions of the apparatus, in particular of all the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said PLC controller (31) is associated with a software that allows the operator to configure the operating parameters of the apparatus, in particular of said first section (12) in relation to the dosage of the sanitizer and/or duration of the sanitization and of said third section (14) in relation for example at air flow. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said software allows the operations performed by the apparatus to be traced on site and/or remotely. 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims from 10 to 14, wherein said unit? electrical/electronic (30) ? associated with a first interface for operators and a second interface for users, wherein said second interface preferably comprises a selector and/or a group of indicator lights. 16. Equipment according to one or more? of the preceding claims, comprises a plurality? of orientable wheels for moving the equipment on the support surface or surfaces, wherein said wheels are preferably positioned in such a way as to not be substantially visible when the equipment is? in use. 17. Method of treating an environment which includes: - room sanitization by spraying a sanitizing liquid into said room; - purification of air by photocatalytic oxidation carried out in a flow of air taken from said environment and then returned to said environment; - air treatment by filtering with possible thermal and/or hygrometric control; wherein said sanitization and said purification are carried out at separate times, and wherein said sanitization is carried out in the absence of people in said environment.