JP2021186226A - Decontamination system, decontamination method and filter - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a decontamination system and the like capable of decontaminating a filter to be decontaminated without excessively complicating the configuration of an air conditioning system.SOLUTION: A decontamination system is configured to decontaminate a filter disposed between a room and a duct used for air conditioning of the room. The decontamination system comprises a cover and a gas circulation device. The cover is configured to cover the filter and separate the filter from the room. The gas circulation device is configured to circulate a decontaminated gas in a first space between the duct and the filter and a second space between the filter and the cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a decontamination system, a decontamination method and a filter.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-11926 (Patent Document 1) discloses a sterilization system for sterilizing a plurality of processing chambers. In this sterilization system, a decontamination gas generator is arranged in the duct of the air conditioning system, and the decontamination gas is introduced into each treatment chamber through the duct. As a result, bio-decontamination of each treatment room is performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-11926

According to the sterilization system disclosed in Patent Document 1, bio-decontamination of the filter arranged on the flow path of the decontamination gas can be performed. However, if this sterilization system is used for bio-decontamination of the filter, the decontamination gas will circulate in the duct and go to each room, so that the bio-decontamination of many rooms will be performed for the bio-decontamination of the filter. It is also necessary to perform dyeing. If bio-decontamination is performed only in some rooms, it is necessary to install a large number of dampers in the duct.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is a decontamination system capable of decontaminating a filter to be decontaminated without excessively complicating the configuration of an air conditioning system. Is to provide.

A decontamination system according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to decontaminate a filter placed between a room and a duct used for air conditioning in the room. The decontamination system includes a cover and a gas circulation device. The cover is configured to cover the filter and separate the filter from the room. The gas circulation device is configured to circulate the decontamination gas in the first space between the duct and the filter and the second space between the filter and the cover.

In this decontamination system, the decontamination gas does not circulate in the entire air conditioning system including the duct, but circulates in the first space and the second space. That is, in this decontamination system, the decontamination gas circulates in a narrower range. Therefore, according to this decontamination system, the filter can be decontaminated without installing a large number of dampers in the air conditioning system.

In this decontamination system, the gas circulation device introduces the decontamination gas into the first space and sucks the decontamination gas from the second space so as to circulate the decontamination gas in the first space and the second space. It may be configured in.

If the decontamination gas is not sucked from the second space when the duct is not provided with the damper, a large amount of the decontamination gas introduced into the first space flows into the duct. As a result, the decontamination gas does not sufficiently pass through the filter. In the decontamination system according to the present invention, the decontamination gas is sucked from the second space. Therefore, most of the decontamination gas introduced into the first space passes through the filter and heads for the second space. As a result, according to this decontamination system, the filter can be decontaminated even if the duct is not provided with a damper.

Further, in this decontamination system, the filter is arranged in a case arranged between the room and the duct, and the case is formed with a first hole configured to communicate with the first space. The cover is formed with a second hole configured to communicate with the second space, and the gas circulation device has a first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole and a second hole. It may include a second tube configured to communicate with the hole.

According to this decontamination system, the decontamination gas can be introduced into the first space through the first hole formed in the case. This method is particularly effective when it is easy to install the special case in the present invention, such as when constructing a new building.

Further, in this decontamination system, the filter has a first hole configured to communicate with the first space, and the cover has a second hole configured to communicate with the second space. The gas circulation device may include a first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole and a second pipe configured to communicate with the second hole.

According to this decontamination system, the decontamination gas can be introduced into the first space through the first hole formed in the filter. Since this method does not require large-scale construction in the building, it is particularly effective when introducing this decontamination system using an existing air conditioning system.

Further, this decontamination system may further include a BI (Biological Indicator) arranged in the second space.

According to this decontamination system, the completion of decontamination of the filter can be confirmed by confirming the death of BI.

Further, the decontamination method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method of decontaminating a filter arranged between a room and a duct used for air conditioning of the room. In this decontamination method, the decontamination gas is circulated in the step of covering the filter with a cover to separate the filter from the room, the first space between the duct and the filter, and the second space between the filter and the cover. Includes steps to make.

In this decontamination method, the decontamination gas does not circulate in the entire air conditioning system including the duct, but circulates in the first space and the second space. That is, in this decontamination method, the decontamination gas circulates in a narrower range. Therefore, according to this decontamination method, the filter can be decontaminated without installing a large number of dampers in the air conditioning system.

Further, a filter according to another aspect of the present invention is arranged between a room and a duct used for air conditioning of the room. The filter is configured to be decontaminated by a decontamination system. The decontamination system includes a cover and a gas circulation device. The cover is configured to cover the filter and separate the filter from the room. The gas circulation device is configured to circulate the decontamination gas in the first space between the duct and the filter and the second space between the filter and the cover. The filter is formed with a first hole configured to communicate with the first space. The cover is formed with a second hole configured to communicate with the second space. The gas circulation device includes a first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole and a second pipe configured to communicate with the second hole.

According to this filter, the decontamination gas can be introduced into the first space through the first hole. The method of realizing the decontamination system by this filter does not require large-scale construction in the building, and is therefore particularly effective when introducing the decontamination system using the existing air conditioning system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a decontamination system or the like capable of decontaminating a filter to be decontaminated without excessively complicating the configuration of an air conditioning system.

It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the decontamination system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a gas circulation apparatus schematically. It is the figure which showed the bottom surface part of a cover schematically from the diagonally lower part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation procedure of a decontamination system. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the decontamination system according to Embodiment 2. It is a figure for demonstrating a predetermined condition.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[1. Embodiment 1]
<1-1. Overview>
Bio-decontamination (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "decontamination") is performed in a room where a drug or a regenerative medicine product is manufactured or tested. This suppresses the number of microorganisms present in the room. In such a room, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) flowing in from the outside of the room are collected, for example, by a filter installed in the outlet of the room. The filter also needs to be decontaminated as microorganisms adhere to the filter through the use of the filter. The decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment is used for decontaminating such a filter. Hereinafter, the decontamination system 10 will be described in detail.

<1-2. Decontamination system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the decontamination system 10, the filter 400 is decontaminated. Examples of the filter 400 include a medium performance filter, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, and a ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter. The filter 400 is composed of, for example, a filter medium and an accommodating member for accommodating the filter medium. Examples of the type of the filter medium include a glass filter medium, a PTFE filter medium, a non-woven fabric filter medium, a filter medium using nanofibers, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the decontamination system 10 includes a case 200, a cover 300, and a gas circulation device 100. The case 200 has a hollow box shape and is embedded in the ceiling 700. A room outlet is formed by attaching the filter 400 to a position closer to the room in the case 200. The case 200 is made of, for example, a material that is not corroded by the decontamination gas described later and is not deformed by suction of the decontamination gas described later. The case 200 is made of, for example, metal or resin. As the metal, stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum is preferable. In addition, iron, copper, zinc steel plate, galvalume steel plate (registered trademark) or the like coated on the surface for corrosion prevention may be used.

The case 200 is formed with a hole for connecting the duct 600. The duct 600 is a part of an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning in a plurality of rooms. The case 200 and the duct 600 are connected to each other through a hole formed in the case 200. That is, the filter 400 is arranged between the room and the duct 600. Further, the case 200 is formed with a hole H1 for connecting the gas introduction pipe 120. The gas introduction pipe 120 will be described in detail later.

The cover 300 is configured to cover the filter 400 from the room side and separate the filter 400 from the room. The upper end of the cover 300 is open, and the cover 300 has a bottom surface and side surfaces extending upward from the periphery of the bottom surface. The shape of the cover 300 is not limited to this, and may be any shape as long as it can cover the opening of the filter 400.

The cover 300 is attached to the room-side end of the case 200. The cover 300 is attached to the case 200 via various known attachment means, for example via screws, snap locks or nuts. An elastic member such as rubber may be arranged at the contact position between the cover 300 and the case 200. As a result, the sealing by the cover 300 becomes stronger.

Like the case 200, the cover 300 is made of, for example, a material that is not corroded by the decontamination gas described later and is not deformed by suction of the decontamination gas described later. The cover 300 is made of, for example, metal or resin. As the metal, stainless steel or aluminum is preferable. In addition, iron, copper, zinc steel plate, galvalume steel plate (registered trademark) or the like coated on the surface for corrosion prevention may be used.

The cover 300 is formed with a hole H2 for connecting the gas suction pipe 130. The gas suction pipe 130 will be described in detail later.

The gas circulation device 100 includes a space between the duct 600 and the filter 400 (hereinafter, also referred to as “first space”) and a space between the filter 400 and the cover 300 (hereinafter, also referred to as “second space”). It is configured to circulate the decontamination gas in (referred to as). More specifically, the gas circulation device 100 includes a gas circulation device main body 110, a gas introduction pipe 120, and a gas suction pipe 130. The gas circulation device main body 110 introduces the decontamination gas into the first space through the gas introduction pipe 120, and sucks the decontamination gas from the second space through the gas suction pipe 130. As a result, the decontamination gas circulates in the first space and the second space.

As the decontamination gas, various known gases can be used. As the decontamination gas, for example, peracetic acid, carbon dioxide, ozone or hydrogen peroxide can be used. Considering the harmful effects on the human body when the decontamination gas leaks, it is preferable to use peracetic acid as the decontamination gas.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the gas circulation device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas circulation device 100 includes a pump 112, a gas generator 114, a gas introduction pipe 120, and a gas suction pipe 130. For example, peracetic acid is stored in the gas generator 114. Decontamination gas (peracetic acid gas) is generated in the gas generator 114. The generated decontamination gas is introduced into the first space via the gas introduction pipe 120. The decontamination gas generation method is not limited to this, and for example, an atomization method may be adopted.

The pump 112 is configured to suck gas from the gas suction pipe 130 side and send the gas to the gas generator 114 side. By operating the pump 112, the decontamination gas introduced into the first space is introduced into the second space through the filter 400, and then introduced into the pump 112. The decontamination gas introduced into the pump 112 is sent to the gas generator 114. As a result, the decontamination gas circulates. Since the decontamination gas passes through the filter 400 due to the circulation of the decontamination gas, the filter 400 is decontaminated. The gas circulation device 100 does not necessarily include the pump 112, and may include, for example, a blower instead of the pump 112.

With reference to FIG. 1 again, a BI (Biological Indicator) 500 is arranged on the cover 300. According to the decontamination system 10, the completion of decontamination of the filter 400 can be confirmed by confirming the death of BI.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the bottom surface portion of the cover 300 from diagonally below. As shown in FIG. 3, a slit S1 is formed in the bottom surface portion of the cover 300. The BI 500 is inserted above the cover 300 via the slit S1. The inserted BI 500 is fixed with, for example, a tape 310. The BI 500 may be installed on the cover 300 via an installation jig such as a clip.

<1-3. Operation of decontamination system>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the decontamination system 10. Each step shown in this flowchart is executed by an operator in a state where the cover 300 is attached to the case 200 and the like is completed.

With reference to FIG. 4, the operator causes the decontamination system 10 to start circulation of the decontamination gas (step S100). That is, the operator operates the gas circulation device 100 to start the circulation of the decontamination gas in the first space and the second space, and raises the decontamination gas concentration to a predetermined concentration. The operator determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the decontamination gas concentration has risen to a predetermined concentration (step S110). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S110), the operator waits until the predetermined time elapses.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S110), the operator stops the gas circulation device 100 and confirms whether or not the BI 500 has died (step S120). If the BI 500 is dead, it is determined that the filter 400 has been successfully decontaminated.

In order to determine that the decontamination gas concentration has risen to a predetermined concentration, for example, a decontamination gas densitometer can be used. However, the decontamination gas concentration does not necessarily have to be measured directly. For example, the decontamination gas concentration may be estimated using humidity as an index.

<1-4. Features>
As described above, in the decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment, the decontamination gas does not circulate in the entire air conditioning system including the duct 600, but circulates in the first space and the second space. That is, in the decontamination system 10, the decontamination gas circulates in a narrower range. Therefore, according to the decontamination system 10, the filter 400 can be decontaminated without complicating the air conditioning system.

Further, if the duct 600 is not provided with a damper or the like and the decontamination gas is not sucked from the second space by the gas circulation device 100, a large amount of the decontamination gas introduced into the first space flows into the duct 600. do. As a result, the decontamination gas does not sufficiently pass through the filter 400. In the decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment, the decontamination gas is sucked from the second space. Therefore, most of the decontamination gas introduced into the first space passes through the filter 400 and heads for the second space. As a result, according to the decontamination system 10, the filter 400 can be decontaminated even if the duct 600 is not provided with a damper.

Further, according to the decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment, the decontamination gas can be introduced into the first space through the hole H1 formed in the case 200. This method is particularly effective when it is easy to install a special case 200, such as when constructing a new building.

[2. Embodiment 2]
In the decontamination system 10 according to the first embodiment, the decontamination gas was introduced into the first space through the hole H1 formed in the case 200. However, the hole for introducing the decontamination gas into the first space does not necessarily have to be provided in the case 200. In the decontamination system 10A according to the second embodiment, a hole for introducing the decontamination gas is formed in the filter 400A in the first space. Hereinafter, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

<2-1. Decontamination system configuration>
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the decontamination system 10A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the gas circulation device 100A includes a gas circulation device main body 110, a gas introduction pipe 120A, and a gas suction pipe 130. The cover 300A is formed with a hole H3 through which the gas introduction pipe 120A penetrates and a hole H2A through which the gas suction pipe 130 penetrates. The filter 400A is formed with a hole H1A through which the gas introduction pipe 120A penetrates.

The decontamination gas generated in the gas circulation device main body 110 is introduced into the first space via the gas introduction pipe 120A. The decontamination gas introduced into the first space passes through the filter 400A and the second space and is sucked into the gas circulation device main body 110. As a result, the decontamination gas circulates in the first space and the second space.

As described above, the hole H1A is formed in the filter 400A. For example, a cap can be attached to the hole H1A. The holes H1A are closed by the cap except when the filter 400A is decontaminated.

The hole H1A formed in the filter 400A may be formed in the filter medium portion of the filter 400A, or may be formed in the frame portion of the filter 400A. That is, the gas introduction pipe 120A may be attached to the filter medium portion of the filter 400A, or the gas introduction pipe 120A may be attached to the frame portion of the filter 400A. The attachment portion between the gas introduction pipe 120A and the filter medium or the filter frame is sealed so that the wind does not leak.

<2-2. Features>
As described above, in the decontamination system 10A according to the second embodiment, the decontamination gas does not circulate in the entire air conditioning system including the duct 600, but circulates in the first space and the second space. That is, in the decontamination system 10A, the decontamination gas circulates in a narrower range. Therefore, according to the decontamination system 10A, the filter 400A can be decontaminated without complicating the air conditioning system.

Further, in the decontamination system 10A according to the second embodiment, the decontamination gas is sucked from the second space. Therefore, most of the decontamination gas introduced into the first space passes through the filter 400A and heads for the second space. As a result, according to the decontamination system 10A, the filter 400A can be decontaminated even if the duct 600 is not provided with a damper.

Further, according to the decontamination system 10A according to the second embodiment, the decontamination gas can be introduced into the first space through the holes H1A formed in the filter 400A. Since this method does not require large-scale construction in the building, it is particularly effective when introducing this decontamination system using an existing air conditioning system.

[3. Modification example]
Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, a modified example will be described.

<3-1>
In the first and second embodiments, the filters 400 and 400A are attached to the ceiling 700. However, the position where the filters 400 and 400A are attached is not limited to the ceiling. For example, the filters 400, 400A may be mounted on the wall of the room.

<3-2>
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the decontamination systems 10 and 10A are applied at the outlet in the room. However, the position to which the decontamination systems 10 and 10A are applied is not limited to the outlet. For example, the decontamination systems 10, 10A may be applied to the exhaust vents of a room.

<3-3>
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the covers 300 and 300A are attached to the cases 200 and 200A, respectively. However, the covers 300 and 300A do not necessarily have to be attached to the cases 200 and 200A. The covers 300, 300A may be attached to, for example, the filters 400, 400A. For example, even when the covers 300 and 300A are attached to the accommodating members (frame portions) of the filters 400 and 400A, the filter media portions of the filters 400 and 400A may be sealed by the covers 300 and 300A.

<3-4>
In the first and second embodiments, each step shown in FIG. 4 was executed by an operator. However, these may be performed automatically by the computer.

<3-5>
In the first and second embodiments, the decontamination gas was introduced into the first space, and the decontamination gas was sucked from the second space. However, the flow of decontamination gas is not necessarily limited to this. For example, under predetermined conditions, the decontamination gas may be introduced into the second space and the decontamination gas may be sucked from the first space.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the predetermined condition. As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, a damper 800 is provided in the duct 600 to limit the flow of decontamination gas. In this case, the decontamination gas may be introduced into the second space and the decontamination gas may be sucked from the first space. For example, the decontamination gas generated in the gas circulation device main body 110B is introduced into the second space via the gas suction pipe 130, and the decontamination gas that has passed through the filter 400B and reached the first space is introduced through the gas introduction pipe 120B. It may be sucked by the gas circulation device main body 110B.

10 decontamination system, 100 gas circulation device, 110 gas circulation device main body, 112 pump, 114 gas generator, 120 gas introduction pipe, 130 gas suction pipe, 200 cases, 300 covers, 310 tapes, 400 filters, 500 BI, 600 Duct, 700 ceiling, 800 damper, H1, H2, H3 hole, S1 slit.

Claims (7)

A decontamination system configured to decontaminate a filter placed between a room and a duct used to air-condition the room.
A cover configured to cover the filter and separate the filter from the room.
A decontamination system comprising a gas circulation device configured to circulate decontamination gas in a first space between the duct and the filter and a second space between the filter and the cover. The gas circulation device circulates the decontamination gas in the first space and the second space by introducing the decontamination gas into the first space and sucking the decontamination gas from the second space. The decontamination system according to claim 1, which is configured to be used. The filter is arranged in a case arranged between the room and the duct.
The case is formed with a first hole configured to communicate with the first space.
The cover is formed with a second hole configured to communicate with the second space.
The gas circulation device is
A first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole,
The decontamination system according to claim 2, further comprising a second tube configured to communicate with the second hole. The filter is formed with a first hole configured to communicate with the first space.
The cover is formed with a second hole configured to communicate with the second space.
The gas circulation device is
A first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole,
The decontamination system according to claim 2, further comprising a second tube configured to communicate with the second hole. The decontamination system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a BI (Biological Indicator) arranged in the second space. A decontamination method for decontaminating a filter placed between a room and a duct used for air conditioning in the room.
A step of covering the filter with a cover and separating the filter from the room,
A decontamination method comprising a step of circulating a decontamination gas in a first space between the duct and the filter and a second space between the filter and the cover. A filter placed between a room and a duct used for air conditioning in the room.
The filter is configured to be decontaminated by a decontamination system.
The decontamination system
A cover configured to cover the filter and separate the filter from the room.
A gas circulation device configured to circulate decontamination gas in a first space between the duct and the filter and a second space between the filter and the cover is provided.
The filter is formed with a first hole configured to communicate with the first space.
The cover is formed with a second hole configured to communicate with the second space.
The gas circulation device is
A first pipe configured to communicate with the first hole,
A filter comprising a second tube configured to communicate with the second hole.

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