IT202000030941A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DISINFECTION AND FIXED OR MOBILE DECONTAMINATION - Google Patents

Description

Patent application for industrial invention:

" DECO3 - Disinfection system and method

and stationary or mobile decontamination".

DESCRIPTION

The present found? inherent in a fixed or mobile method and modular disinfection and/or decontamination system that can be used in research facilities and used for life sciences, both public and private, adaptable to the specific and different typology of places, spaces, and design needs following criteria of functionality? and aesthetics.

In research laboratories and life science facilities? primary objective to control and limit the pi? possible contamination by bacteria and viruses that can influence the procedures and results of research studies. Both microbiological samples and animals, when infected with unwanted pathogens, can develop unpredictable variables that can negatively affect the results of the study. Precisely for this reason, research animals and biological substances are kept in environments that are as clean as possible.

Where complete asepsis cannot be achieved due to the nature of the animals and materials, the most appropriate conditions are clean as possible are obtained by controlling the environment and the logistic process in order to avoid the introduction of undesirable pathogens or by maintaining the lowest bacterial/viral load in the environments. as low as possible through routine cleaning and disinfection processes of rooms and materials.

With the exception of a few strains of immunodeficient research animals that require very rigorous and thorough sterilization / decontamination of all environments and materials with which they come into contact, most life science facilities ? defined as SPF (Specific Pathogen Free).

Depending on the specific pathogens to be controlled, the disinfection and decontamination procedures can also vary, allowing the use of less stringent or less intensive methods and materials. Some pathogens are sensitive and can be killed with less aggressive methods than traditional sterilization systems. The choice of decontamination methods and products can be targeted at specific pathogens, allowing procedures more? short and/or less laborious, aggressive and expensive.

Considering the above, isn't it? It is always necessary for research facilities to turn to sterilization systems such as autoclaves and/or decontamination chambers equipped with dry steam hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generators which require significant human resources and substantial investments both in terms of time and money.

No less relevant? the importance of managing the spaces available in areas used for scientific research which has high costs. For this reason, space management must be rational and functional to favor maximum usability. From this point of view, one of the advantages of the present invention is just to allow the modularity? and mobility of the proposed technological solution.

The fixed or mobile modular disinfection and decontamination system, according to the invention , comprises several? devices that used individually or combined with each other in a suitable number and position, allow for the creation of different configurations that can be adapted to different environments.

The elements which characterize the invention consist of: an autonomous device A, better represented in an exemplary configuration in Fig.1, better defined?gas/steam generator? and a device B, better represented in an exemplary configuration in Fig.2, constituting a fixed or mobile decontamination chamber.

The elements that characterize the invention and their possible variants/configurations are exposed more? in detail with the help of the drawings which represent examples of execution illustrated by way of non-limiting example.

Purpose of the present invention? that of offering an innovative and flexible as well as multifunctional solution, through device A and possibly complementary decontamination chamber device B, for the disinfection / decontamination of objects and materials in mobile trolleys or fixed hermetic chambers using ozone gas (O3) steam (H2O) .

The effectiveness of this decontamination method (O3 + H2O steam) ? demonstrated in the literature if a ?CT? (concentration times contact time) equal to or greater than 24 x 10<3, >where the concentration of ozone (O3) in the air is measured in ppm (parts per million) and the exposure time in minutes. All with a humidity? relative >80%.

Characteristic of device A, object of this invention, ? to be able to generate and maintain these conditions over time in the environment in which it is located or with which it is connected.

Another characteristic of device A ? to be compatible also with the use of wet vaporized disinfectants such as, by way of example but not limited to, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) at different concentrations.

Additional feature of device A, gas/steam generator, ? to be usable as a unit? autonomous, indoors or connectable to existing decontamination chambers.

Device A comprises an ozone generator (Fig.1, nr.1) and an ultrasonic liquid vaporizer (Fig.1, nr.2), one or more? fans (Fig.1, nr.3) in suction or blowing for the recirculation of the air between device A and device B.

The ultrasonic vaporizer (Fig.1, nr.2) serves the purpose of increasing the humidity? in the decontamination chamber for ozone treatments by vaporizing water or, alternatively, to directly vaporize disinfectant / decontaminant liquids. A suitable manual filling / measuring system (Fig.1, nr.4) ? provided to pour the disinfectant / decontaminant liquid into the evaporation chamber of the ultrasonic vaporizer (Fig.1, nr. 2).

Device A includes a dehumidification system (Fig.1, nr.5). This dehumidification system can be a simple source of heating to reduce the RH value or a dehumidification system by condensation with the aim of reducing the vapors before the curing phase, if required by the curing media.

Does device A have the capacity? to divert (Fig.1, nr.6) the air/gas/vapour flow to the ozone / gas generator chamber (Fig.1, nr.1) or to the filter / catalyst (Fig.1, nr.7 ) integrated into the device, depending on the process step.

Furthermore, the device A, gas/steam generator, as better described in the schematic drawings and in the claims, is consists of a unit such that it can be inserted in a room pi? large or connected by fixed or flexible pipes / fittings to a mobile or stationary enclosure as well as to the decontamination chamber of the present invention (device B).

Does device A, gas/steam generator, have the capacity? Of:

- generate ozone gas (O3) vapor (H2O) but ? also compatible with the use of other vaporized disinfectants / decontaminants;

- introduce the disinfectant / decontaminating gases/vapours into the decontamination chamber;

- humidify/dehumidify the room;

- direct and recirculate the air in the chamber in order to guarantee the correct diffusion of the gas / vapour;

- reduce the disinfectant or decontaminating gas/vapour below the safety level by means of condensation or using suitable catalyst means.

Device A includes electronic and programmable control means, man-machine interfaces (Fig.1, no.8) and monitoring probes and sensors (Fig.1, nos.17), including but not limited to RH, temperature , detection of ozone values or other gases used, air flow sensors in the recirculation pipes. The probes and sensors of device A have the purpose of monitoring the values useful for defining the efficiency of the decontamination process and for checking the safety levels of gases / vapors before opening or disconnecting the decontamination chamber.

Device A? equipped with inlet and outlet valves (Fig.1, nr.9) useful for connections with other devices.

Also part of the present invention is a decontamination chamber, device B, as better described in the schematic drawings and in the claims, complementary but not functional to device A. Device B, decontamination chamber, can? be made on wheels or other means of mobility.

Device B ? able to be used, for example, as a transport trolley for disinfected / decontaminated materials (Fig.2 Config X) or as a pass box (Fig. 2 Config Y) eliminating the need for? of use of large fixed rooms thus facilitating? the process of entry / exit from clean zones and reducing investment in fixed equipment.

Device B, mobile decontamination chamber, which forms part of the present invention, has the possibility to connect to device A by way of example, flexible or fixed pipes / sleeves thanks to connection ports protected by valves (Fig.2, no. 9 and Fig.3, no. 9) through which the gas / steam is injected and recirculated there.

Device B, decontamination chamber, ? with:

- perforated or mesh door (Fig. 2, nr. 10) useful for containing and storing the decontaminated/disinfected material;

- a second external hermetic door (Fig. 2, nr.11 Config X) hinged (Fig.2, Nr.16) if used as a transport trolley (Fig.2, Config X) which, once the disinfection cycle is completed / decontamination can? be kept closed to protect the materials during transport;

or

- a connection to an interlocked hermetic door (Fig. 2, nr. 12 Config Y) hinged (Fig.2, Nr.16) placed on the wall or barrier if used as a passage chamber (Fig 2 Config Y) so as to act from pass box / decontamination chamber to and from environments with different levels of contamination.

The interlocking mechanism (Fig.2, nr.13) of device B, used with the walled-in hermetic door (Fig.2, Config Y), prevents accidental opening and allows the door to open only if the chamber decontamination ? connected to the sealed door / frame. This interlocking mechanism can operate, for example, by simple mechanical action or, optionally, managed electronically as a slave by the gas / steam generator.

In device B, the gas / vapor injection and extraction points (Fig.2, No.14 & 15) are located inside the enclosure on opposite sides of the perforated or mesh port (Fig.2, No.10 ), forcing cos? the gas / steam to decontaminate / disinfect both sides of the perforated door in both X and Y configuration.

The mobile decontamination chamber device B portion of the present invention does not prevent the use and installation of device A, gas/steam generator, as a unit. autonomous or in combination with other mobile or fixed equipment already? available at the time of use or developed for the purpose.

Purpose of the present invention? that of supplying a gas/steam generating device (device A) capable of:

- recirculate the air/gas/steam to and from a closed environment such as, by way of example but not limited to, a transport trolley or a passage chamber or a pass box;

- generate gaseous ozone vapor H2O and then, through the same closed circuit, reduce / catalyze the disinfectant gas / vapor to safe levels before the materials to be decontaminated / disinfected are removed from the decontamination chamber;

- generate other disinfectant / decontaminant humid vapors and then, through the same closed circuit, reduce / catalyze the disinfectant gas / vapor to safe levels before the materials to be decontaminated / disinfected are removed from the decontamination chamber.

In particular, the principle and purpose of operation of the present invention ? the diffusion and distribution inside the decontamination chamber of humid ozone gas or humid chemical substances in order to obtain the deposit of a film of condensation of these gases or chemical substances on the surfaces of the objects where the gas or the disinfectant can carry out its disinfectant / decontaminating / sterilizing action.

The process ? driven by humidity with the aim of obtaining an atmosphere > 80% RH and / or higher than the dew point, generating a fog, a substantial characteristic distinguishing it from other systems available on the market which instead use the same gases or chemicals as dry gases or through the nebulization/dry vaporization.

In particular, the invention has the purpose of realizing a modular structure with modular elements characteristic for the realization of devices suitable for disinfection and/or decontamination, in both simple and articulated configurations, adaptable according to the nature of the places, usage requirements, criteria of functionality? and aesthetics, in any format and dimension, which can be placed in environments suitable for science and scientific research, private or public.

In view of these purposes, yes? thought of realizing, according to the invention, a fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination system and method according to claims 1 and 12. Further characteristics of the elements according to the invention are highlighted in the dependent and subsequent claims.

The ozone generation method, the sterilizing / disinfectant chemicals, the catalyst means are not part of this invention, but the invention offers the possibility to to use one or more of such materials and methods already? available on the market within an innovative and targeted process by means of a single device.

All the devices listed above can be made in any material that is useful and better usable for the context in which they are or must be inserted. Furthermore, they can clearly be made in any shape or size, without thereby abandoning the purposes of protection of the claims.

For example, the number of mechanical and technological components, their arrangement and the connections/joinings between the various components are not described in detail here, as they can be easily deduced by the technician based on the specific assembly and functionality requirements.

Only the basic or structural components are described here, therefore the system will be able to also include further completion or finishing accessories, such as, purely by way of example, sensors, telecommunication ports and modules, graphical interfaces, controllers, etc., as easily imaginable by the skilled person.

Naturally, the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention ? given as an example of these innovative principles and must not therefore? be taken as a limitation of the scope of the patent claimed herein. Therefore, the principle of the invention remaining the same, the embodiment and construction details can be varied widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims (12)

Patent application for industrial invention: "DECO3 - Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination system and method". CLAIMS 1. Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system consisting of a gas/steam generator device and a device constituting a fixed or mobile decontamination chamber, characterized in that the gas/steam generator ? capable of generating, diffusing, distributing, managing and catalyzing, in a closed environment and/or inside a decontamination chamber, ozone gas and steam, using ozone gas (O3) steam (H2O), in order to disinfect/decontaminate the surfaces of objects and materials. 2. Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that it can vaporize different chemicals in order to obtain the deposit of a film of condensation of these chemicals on the surfaces of the objects where the gas or the disinfectant can? carry out its disinfectant / decontaminating / sterilizing action. 3. Stationary or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas/steam generator ? capable of generating ozone and maintaining over time and in the environment in which it is located or with which it is connected a disinfesting and decontaminating value ?CT? (concentration -ppm- for contact time -min-) equal to or greater than 24 x 10<3, >with a humidity? relative >80%. 4. Stationary or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas/steam generating device can? be used as a standalone device or in combination with the fixed or mobile decontamination chamber device or in combination with other mobile or stationary equipment already? available at the time of use or developed for the purpose. 5. Stationary or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas/steam generating device ? also compatible with the use of wet vaporized disinfectants at different concentrations. 6. Stationary or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas/steam generating device can? be connected to an airtight container or decontamination chamber creating a closed recirculation circuit. 7. Fixed or mobile modular disinfection and decontamination system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas/steam generating device comprises: - one or more ozone generators; - one or more ultrasonic liquid vaporizers to increase humidity in the decontamination chamber for ozone treatments or capable of generating vapors of other disinfectants; - one or more fans for air recirculation within the system; - one or more systems for filling and placing disinfectant or decontaminant products; - one or more systems having the purpose of reducing the disinfectant vapors by means of condensation or simply to reduce the humidity? relative before the catalyzing step, if required by the catalyzing media; - one or more catalysts; - one or more monitoring probes and sensors; - inlet and outlet valves useful for connections with other devices suitable for the injection and/or recirculation of the gas/steam; - one or more external interface systems. 8. Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the decontamination chamber device can be made on wheels or other means of mobility? or as a pass box. 9. Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system, according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that the decontamination chamber device has the possibility? to connect to the gas/steam generating device via hoses / sleeves / flexible or fixed fittings thanks to connection ports protected by valves. 10. Fixed or mobile modular disinfection and decontamination system, according to claims 1, 8 and 9, characterized in that the decontamination chamber device comprises: - one or more doors, perforated or in mesh, useful for the containment and storage of decontaminated/disinfected material; - one or more external hermetic doors if the device is used as a transport trolley which, once the disinfection / decontamination cycle has been completed, can be kept closed to protect the materials during transport; - one or more connections designed to connect one or more? interlocked hermetic doors placed on the wall or barrier to act as a pass box / decontamination chamber to and from external environments; - one or more interlocking mechanisms that can be used with walled hermetic doors to prevent accidental opening through simple mechanical action or through electronic management; - one or more points of injection and extraction of gas / steam useful for the circulation and recirculation of gas / steam on both sides of the perforated door. 11. Fixed or mobile disinfection and decontamination modular system made with modular systems according to the preceding claims, characterized in that ? suitable for use integrated and complementary to environments already? existing in research laboratories and in life science facilities. 12. Disinfection and decontamination method (O3 + H2O steam) by obtaining a ?CT? (concentration times contact time) equal to or greater than 24 x 10<3>, where the concentration of ozone (O3) in the air is measured in ppm (parts per million) and the exposure time in minutes. All with a humidity? relative in the atmosphere >80% RH and / or above the dew point.