JP4911632B2 - Isolator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an isolator.

  The isolator has a work room in an aseptic environment inside, and is used for performing work that is required to be an aseptic environment in the work room, for example, work on biological materials such as cell culture. . Here, the aseptic environment refers to an environment that is almost as dust-free aseptic in order to avoid contamination other than substances necessary for work performed in the work room.

  In an isolator, air taken from the gas supply unit is supplied to the work chamber through a particulate collection filter such as a HEPA filter provided between the gas supply unit and the work chamber to ensure a sterile environment in the work chamber. Is done. Further, the air in the work chamber is discharged from the gas discharge portion through a particulate collection filter provided between the work chamber and the gas discharge portion.

In addition, after one work in the work chamber is completed, in the next work, for example, hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing material is sprayed into the work chamber from the sterilizing material supply unit to sterilize the work chamber (see Patent Document 1). .
JP 2005-31799 A

  In the sterilization process, after the sterilization process is completed, air taken in from the gas supply unit is sent to the working chamber through the particulate collection filter, and hydrogen peroxide in the working chamber is discharged from the gas discharge unit through the particulate collection filter. Then, a replacement step of replacing the sterilizing substance in the working chamber with air is performed. In conventional isolators, this replacement process requires a long time, and as a result, the sterilization process takes a long time.

  On the other hand, in the isolator, after the sterilization process by spraying hydrogen peroxide, the next operation cannot be started unless the gas in the working chamber is replaced and detoxified. Therefore, there is a demand for shortening the time required for sterilization.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, The objective is to provide the technique which can shorten more the time which the sterilization process in an isolator requires.

  As a result of earnest research for the solution of the above problems, the present inventors have found that the following can be cited as the cause of the long time required for the replacement step in the sterilization treatment. That is, hydrogen peroxide is adsorbed to the particulate collection filter by filling the working chamber with hydrogen peroxide gas in the sterilization process. Alternatively, in the isolator that sterilizes by circulating hydrogen peroxide gas from the working chamber to the gas supply unit, the particulate collection filter, and again to the working chamber, hydrogen peroxide is adsorbed when passing through the particulate collection filter. End up. Since it is difficult to remove the adsorbed hydrogen peroxide by gas replacement, a long time is required for the replacement process. Based on these findings, the inventors have completed the present invention.

  One embodiment of the present invention is an isolator. The isolator includes a work chamber for performing work on a biological material, a gas supply unit that supplies gas into the work chamber, a gas discharge unit that discharges gas in the work chamber, a gas supply unit, and a work chamber A particulate collection filter, a bypass flow path connecting the downstream side of the gas flow of the particulate collection filter and the gas discharge part without going through the working chamber, and sterilization for supplying a sterilizing substance into the working chamber After supplying the sterilizing substance from the substance supply unit and the sterilizing substance supply unit to sterilize the working chamber, the discharge of the sterilizing substance from the working chamber is started, and the sterilizing substance in the working chamber becomes a predetermined concentration or less. And a controller that switches the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path.

  According to this aspect, the time required for the sterilization process in the isolator can be further shortened.

  In the above aspect, the apparatus further includes a depressurizing unit that depressurizes the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass channel, and the control unit switches the gas channel so that the gas passes through the bypass channel, and then the depressurizing unit Therefore, the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass channel may be controlled to be depressurized.

  In the above aspect, the gas supply unit includes an intake unit, the gas discharge unit includes an exhaust unit, and the decompression unit includes an intake unit and an exhaust unit, and the discharge amount of the exhaust unit is greater than the intake amount of the intake unit. By increasing the pressure, the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass channel may be depressurized. Alternatively, it further includes a valve provided to open and close the gas flow path between the gas supply unit and the particulate collection filter, and the decompression means includes a valve, and the particulate collection filter is closed by closing the valve by a predetermined amount. The gas flow downstream side and the inside of the bypass channel may be depressurized.

  In addition, in the above aspect, the heating unit further raises the temperature of the particulate collection filter, and the control unit switches the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path, and then raises the particulate collection filter by the heating means. You may control so that it may warm.

  In the above embodiment, the sterilizing substance may be hydrogen peroxide.

  A combination of the above-described elements as appropriate can also be included in the scope of the invention for which patent protection is sought by this patent application.

  According to the present invention, the time required for the sterilization process in the isolator can be further shortened.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an isolator 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an isolator 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a working chamber 10 for performing work on biological materials such as cell extraction and cell culture, and a gas that supplies gas into the working chamber 10. A supply unit 20 and a gas discharge unit 30 for discharging the gas in the work chamber 10 are provided. A front door 12 is provided in the work chamber 10 so as to be openable and closable, and a work glove 14 for performing work in the work chamber 10 is provided at a predetermined position of the front door 12. An operator can insert a hand into the work glove 14 through an opening (not shown) provided in the front door 12 and perform work in the work chamber 10 through the work glove 14. The gas supply unit 20 is provided with an intake fan 22 and an intake port 24 as intake means, and the gas discharge unit 30 is provided with an exhaust fan 32 and an exhaust port 34 as exhaust means.

  The intake fan 22 takes in a gas such as air from the intake port 24 and supplies it to the work chamber 10, and the exhaust fan 32 discharges the gas in the work chamber 10 from the exhaust port 34. Both the intake fan 22 and the exhaust fan 32 are capable of ON / OFF switching control. In addition, it is preferable that the intake fan 22 can adjust the output to at least three stages of OFF, ON weak, and ON strong. In this case, the output when the intake fan 22 is ON is sufficient as long as the output when the exhaust fan 32 is ON. At the exhaust port 34, a sterilizing substance removing filter 36 made of activated carbon, platinum catalyst or the like is installed. Here, the living body-derived material means a material including a living organism including a cell itself, a substance constituting the living organism, or a substance produced by the living organism.

  Further, the isolator 100 includes a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter) 40 as a particulate collection filter between the gas supply unit 20 and the work chamber 10. A bypass flow path 50 that connects the downstream side of the HEPA filter 40 and the gas discharge unit 30 without passing through the work chamber 10 is connected to the downstream side of the gas flow of the HEPA filter 40 and the upstream side of the work chamber 10. Yes. Further, a HEPA filter 60 is provided on the upstream side of the gas flow of the exhaust fan 32 and on the downstream side of the outlet of the bypass passage 50.

  The working chamber 10 is provided with a sterilizing substance supply unit 70 for supplying a sterilizing substance into the working chamber 10. By supplying the sterilizing substance into the working chamber 10, the inside of the working chamber 10 can be made an aseptic environment. it can. Here, the aseptic environment refers to an environment that is almost as dust-free aseptic in order to avoid contamination other than substances necessary for work performed in the work room. In this embodiment, the sterilizing substance is hydrogen peroxide, and the sterilizing substance supply unit 70 can be configured by, for example, a hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 shown in FIG. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is supplied into the working chamber 10 in a mist state, but most of the gas is quickly vaporized and exists as hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 includes a control substrate 202, a hydrogen peroxide water tank 204, a water seal cap 206, a hydrogen peroxide water tank 208, an ultrasonic oscillator 210, and a hydrogen peroxide supply pipe 212. Have The hydrogen peroxide mist generator 200 supplies the hydrogen peroxide solution 201 in the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 204 from the water seal cap 206 to the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 208 under the control of the control board 202. Then, the hydrogen peroxide mist 203 is generated by applying ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic oscillator 210 to the hydrogen peroxide solution 201 in the hydrogen peroxide bath 208. The generated hydrogen peroxide mist 203 is supplied into the working chamber 10 from the hydrogen peroxide supply pipe 212.

  Or the sterilization substance supply part 70 can be comprised by the hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300 shown in FIG. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is supplied into the working chamber 10 in a gas state. 3A and 3B are schematic views of the hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300, FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of the hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300, and FIG. 3B is a peroxidation. 2 is a schematic plan view of a hydrogen gas generator 300. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300 includes an intake port 302, a blower fan 304, a blower duct 306, an element 308, an exhaust port 310, a hydrogen peroxide water tank 312, and a pump 314. And a hydrogen peroxide solution supply pipe 316. The hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300 takes in air from the intake port 302 by operating the blower fan 304 and sends it to the blower duct 306. And the air sent to the ventilation duct 306 is discharged | emitted from the exhaust port 310 outside via the element 308 installed in the exit side of the ventilation duct 306. FIG. On the other hand, the hydrogen peroxide gas generator 300 pumps up the hydrogen peroxide solution from the hydrogen peroxide solution tank 312 by the pump 314 and drops it onto the element 308 through the hydrogen peroxide solution supply pipe 316. Then, the hydrogen peroxide solution dropped on the element 308 is vaporized by the air passing through the element 308 to generate hydrogen peroxide gas. The generated hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 10 from the exhaust port 310.

  In this embodiment, hydrogen peroxide is used as the sterilizing substance. However, the sterilizing substance is not limited to hydrogen peroxide, and may be a substance containing an active oxygen species such as ozone.

  Valves 80 to 86 are provided at various locations of the gas flow path in the isolator 100 so as to be openable and closable. Specifically, a valve 80 is provided at the intake port 24, and a valve 81 is provided between the intake fan 22 and the HEPA filter 40. In addition, a valve 82 is provided between the HEPA filter 40 and the working chamber 10, and a valve 83 is provided on the upstream side of the gas flow in the bypass channel 50. A valve 84 is provided between the gas flow downstream side of the work chamber 10 and the intake fan 22, and a valve 85 is provided between the gas flow downstream side of the work chamber 10 and the upstream side of the HEPA filter 60. Yes. The exhaust port 34 is provided with a valve 86. Opening and closing of the valves 80 to 86 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

  In the isolator 100, after one work in the work chamber 10 is completed, a sterilization process in the work chamber 10 is performed in the next work. The sterilization process includes a pretreatment process, a sterilization process, and a replacement process. In the pretreatment process, hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the work chamber 10 so that the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 is higher than the concentration necessary for sterilization in the work chamber 10. After the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 reaches a predetermined concentration or more in the pretreatment process, the sterilization process is started. In the sterilization process, hydrogen peroxide gas is circulated from the working chamber 10 through the valve 84 to the gas supply unit 20, the HEPA filter 40, and the working chamber 10 again to perform sterilization. After the sterilization process is completed, the replacement process is started.

  In the replacement step, the gas in the work chamber 10 is sucked out by the exhaust fan 32 and discharged from the exhaust port 34, and the air is taken in from the intake port 24 by the intake fan 22 to replace the gas in the work chamber 10. At that time, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 is decomposed by the sterilizing substance removing filter 36 so as not to leak out of the isolator 100 from the exhaust port 34. Further, in the replacement step, the hydrogen peroxide gas remaining in the region other than the work chamber 10 in the isolator 100, for example, the gas supply unit 20 and the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 are also removed.

  Here, the state of the isolator 100 in each step of sterilization will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the isolator 100 in the pretreatment process and the sterilization process, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the state of the isolator 100 in the replacement process.

  When working in the work chamber 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the valve 80, the valve 81, the valve 82, the valve 85, and the valve 86 are open, and the valve 83 and the valve 84 are closed. ing. Further, the output of the intake fan 22 is strong ON, and the output of the exhaust fan 32 is ON. Therefore, in the isolator 100, air taken in from the intake port 24 passes through the HEPA filter 40 and reaches the work chamber 10, and passes through the HEPA filter 60 from the work chamber 10 and is discharged from the exhaust port 34. A gas flow path is formed.

  In the pretreatment process and the sterilization process, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve 84 is switched to the open state, and the valves 80, 85, and 86 are switched to the closed state. The valves 81 and 82 are kept open, and the valve 83 is kept closed. Further, the output of the intake fan 22 is set to be slightly ON and the output of the exhaust fan 32 is set to OFF. As a result, a gas flow path is formed in the isolator 100 so that the gas in the work chamber 10 passes from the gas supply unit 20 through the HEPA filter 40 and returns to the work chamber 10. Circulate.

  In the replacement step, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve 80, the valve 85, and the valve 86 are switched to the open state, and the valve 84 is switched to the closed state. The valves 81 and 82 are kept open, and the valve 83 is kept closed. Further, the output of the intake fan 22 is set to ON strong, and the output of the exhaust fan 32 is set to ON. As a result, the air taken in from the intake port 24 enters the isolator 100 through the HEPA filter 40 into the work chamber 10, passes through the HEPA filter 60 from the work chamber 10, and is discharged from the exhaust port 34. A gas flow path is formed. As a result, the gas in the work chamber 10 is replaced with air, and the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 is removed from the work chamber 10.

  Subsequently, at a predetermined timing, as shown in FIG. 6, the valve 83 is switched to the open state, and the valve 82 and the valve 85 are switched to the closed state. Thereby, in the isolator 100, the air flow path in which the air taken in from the intake port 24 passes through the HEPA filter 40, passes through the bypass flow path 50, passes through the HEPA filter 60, and is discharged from the exhaust port 34. Is formed. By this gas channel switching, the working chamber 10 is not included in the gas channel, the volume of the gas channel is greatly reduced, and the gas channel is simplified, so that the pressure loss in the bypass channel 50 is reduced. Is reduced. And since the output of the intake fan 22 and the exhaust fan 32 does not change, the pressure of the gas flow downstream side of the HEPA filter 40 becomes small, and thereby the pressure difference before and after the HEPA filter 40 increases. As a result, the flow rate of the gas passing through the HEPA filter 40 increases, hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is easily peeled off, and hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 can be removed in a shorter time. Become. Further, since the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the bypass channel 50 is increased, the reattachment of the hydrogen peroxide gas into the bypass channel 50 is suppressed.

Here, the predetermined timing at which the gas flow path is switched is, for example, the timing at which the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 becomes a predetermined concentration or less. This predetermined concentration is, for example, the concentration at the timing when the amount of change in the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the working chamber 10 is minimized, and is, for example, about 50 ppm or less. The timing at which the amount of change in the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 is minimized and the concentration at that time are determined by measuring the change in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 and determining the amount of change in the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration. It can be obtained by calculating. Therefore, the time until the amount of change in the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration becomes minimum after the start of the replacement step may be experimentally obtained, and the gas flow path may be switched after the obtained time has elapsed. Alternatively, when the volume of the work chamber 10 is Am ³ and the exhaust capacity of the exhaust fan 32 is Bm ³ / sec, the gas in the work chamber 10 is changed five times after A / B × 5 to A / B × 10 sec. You may make it switch a gas flow path, after passing the time to replace 10 times.

Thereafter, after the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 falls below a predetermined amount, the valve 82 and the valve 85 are switched to the open state, and the valve 83 is switched to the closed state. Thereby, the gas flow path which passes through the inside of the working chamber 10 is formed again, and the gas in the working chamber 10 is replaced with air. Here, the predetermined amount is a concentration at which the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gas in the work chamber 10 is operable even if all the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 flows into the work chamber 10, for example, described later. The amount does not exceed 1 ppm (TWA: time weighted average value). Since the molecular weight of hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is 34 at 20 ° C. and 1 atm, for example, the amount capable of keeping the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 at 1 ppm or less is as follows. When the volume of 10 is Am ³ , it can be calculated as 1.4 Amg or less. The time until the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 reaches the above-mentioned predetermined amount can be obtained by experiment, and after the lapse of the obtained time, it is switched to the gas flow path passing through the working chamber 10. May be.

  Thereafter, when the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the work chamber 10 becomes a predetermined concentration or less, the next operation can be started. Here, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas at which the next operation can be started is a concentration that does not affect the biological material used for the next operation to a degree that cannot be ignored in the operation. This concentration is, for example, a concentration of 1 ppm (TWA: time-weighted average value) or less defined by ACGIH (American Conference of Global Industrial Hygienists). Alternatively, the time during which the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 is equal to or lower than the predetermined concentration may be experimentally obtained so that the next operation can be started after the lapse of the determined time.

  The concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 10 and the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 can be detected by a sensor such as an infrared absorption sensor (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relative change in the amount of hydrogen peroxide in each of the conventional isolator and the isolator 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the conventional isolator, the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the working chamber 10 is suddenly reduced immediately after the start of the replacement process, but thereafter the amount of decrease in the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration is significantly reduced. This is because the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter provided between the gas supply unit 20 and the work chamber 10 is separated from the HEPA filter and flows into the work chamber 10. The hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter is peeled off by the gas passing through the HEPA filter, but it is difficult to peel off when the flow rate of the gas passing through the HEPA filter is small, resulting in a long replacement process. It was. On the other hand, in the isolator 100 according to the first embodiment, the gas flow path is switched so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path 50 at a predetermined timing (time a in the figure) as described above, and the HEPA filter 40 is passed. The gas flow rate is increased. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is significantly reduced in a short time compared to the conventional isolator. Then, after the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 falls below a predetermined amount (time b in the figure), the work chamber 10 is replaced again, so that the work chamber 10 is compared with the conventional isolator. The inside can be started in a shorter time.

  As described above, in the isolator 100 of the first embodiment, the gas is switched to the gas flow path passing through the bypass flow path 50 in the sterilization replacement step. As a result, the volume of the gas flow path is greatly reduced and the gas flow path is simplified, so that the pressure difference before and after the HEPA filter 40 increases. As a result, the flow rate of the gas passing through the HEPA filter 40 increases, and the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 can be removed in a shorter time. In addition, the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the bypass channel 50 is increased, and the reattachment of the hydrogen peroxide gas into the bypass channel 50 is suppressed. Therefore, the time required for the sterilization process in the isolator 100 can be further shortened.

  In addition, since the isolator 100 of the first embodiment only allows the gas flow path to be switched to the flow path passing through the bypass flow path 50 in the configuration of the conventional isolator, the above effect can be obtained with a simple configuration, An increase in manufacturing cost can also be suppressed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in the replacement process of the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, after the air is switched to the gas flow path passing through the bypass flow path 50 at a predetermined timing in the replacement step, the gas flow downstream side of the HEPA filter 40 and the inside of the bypass flow path 50 are depressurized. And different. The other configurations of the isolator 100, the operation in the sterilization process, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the same drawings are used and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  In the replacement step, as in the first embodiment, after switching the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path 50 as shown in FIG. 6, the valve 81 is placed at a predetermined timing as shown in FIG. While closing only a fixed amount, the output of the intake fan 22 is turned OFF, and the output of the exhaust fan 32 is maintained in the ON state. Thereby, the pressure is reduced from the downstream side of the valve 81 including the HEPA filter 40 to the upstream side of the exhaust fan 32 including the HEPA filter 60 in the bypass flow path 50. Since the pressure inside the gas flow path is reduced, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is more easily peeled off, so that the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 can be removed in a shorter time. In this case, the valve 81, the intake fan 22, and the exhaust fan 32 constitute a decompression unit.

  The pressure reduction in the gas flow path may be performed only by making the output of the exhaust fan 32 larger than the output of the intake fan 22 without closing the valve 81. According to this, pressure reduction in the gas flow path can be performed with a simpler configuration. In this case, the intake fan 22 and the exhaust fan 32 constitute decompression means. Alternatively, the pressure reduction in the gas flow path may be performed only by closing the valve 81. In this case, the valve 81 constitutes pressure reducing means. The closing amount of the valve 81 can be appropriately changed according to the presence / absence of the combination of the intake fan 22 and the exhaust fan 32, the output difference between the fans, and the like.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relative change in the amount of hydrogen peroxide in each of the conventional isolator and the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment, the gas flow path switching is performed so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path 50 at a predetermined timing (time a in the figure) as in the first embodiment. Yes. Further, the pressure in the gas channel is reduced at a predetermined timing (time c in the figure). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is significantly reduced in a short time compared to the conventional isolator. Further, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is reduced to a predetermined amount or less in a short time as compared with the first embodiment, the gas flow path is again routed from the bypass flow path 50 to the work chamber 10. The time until switching (time ab in the figure) is shortened. Therefore, the inside of the work chamber 10 can be started in a shorter time. Note that the pressure reduction in the gas channel may be started simultaneously with the switching of the gas channel.

  As described above, the isolator 100 according to the second embodiment decompresses the gas flow path after the gas is switched to the gas flow path passing through the bypass flow path 50 in the sterilization replacement step. This makes it easier for the hydrogen peroxide attached to the HEPA filter 40 to be peeled off, so that the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 can be removed in a shorter time. Therefore, the time required for the sterilization process in the isolator 100 can be further shortened.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as design changes can be added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Embodiments to which such modifications are added Can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the isolator 100 according to each of the above embodiments may include a heater 42 as a heating unit for raising the temperature of the HEPA filter 40. According to this, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the HEPA filter 40 is more easily peeled off. Further, when hydrogen peroxide is adsorbed to the HEPA filter 40 in a liquid state, heat is removed as the heat of vaporization when the hydrogen peroxide in the liquid state is vaporized, and the temperature is lowered to vaporize the hydrogen peroxide. It is possible to avoid a state in which is suppressed. The ON / OFF of the heater 42 and the heating amount may be controlled by the control unit. The heating amount of the HEPA filter 40 by the heater 42 is preferably such that the temperature change in the work chamber 10 due to the heating of the heater 42 is suppressed to, for example, 5 ° C. or less. Further, the heating of the HEPA filter 40 by the heater 42 is performed after switching the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path 50 in the replacement step, for example.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an isolator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a hydrogen peroxide mist generator. 3A and 3B are schematic views of a hydrogen peroxide gas generator. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the isolator in a pre-processing process and a sterilization process. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the isolator in a substitution process. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state of the isolator in a substitution process. It is the figure which showed the relative change of the hydrogen peroxide amount in each of the conventional isolator and the isolator which concerns on Embodiment 1. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in a replacement process of an isolator according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the figure which showed the relative change of the hydrogen peroxide amount in each of the conventional isolator and the isolator which concerns on Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Working room, 12 Front door, 14 Working glove, 20 Gas supply part, 22 Intake fan, 24 Intake port, 30 Gas exhaust part, 32 Exhaust fan, 34 Exhaust port, 36 Sterilization substance removal filter, 40, 60 HEPA filter , 50 bypass flow path, 70 sterilizing substance supply unit, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 valve, 100 isolator, 200 hydrogen peroxide mist generator, 300 hydrogen peroxide gas generator.

Claims (6)

A working room ,
A gas supply unit for supplying gas into the working chamber;
A gas discharger for discharging the gas in the working chamber;
A particulate collection filter provided between the gas supply unit and the working chamber;
A bypass flow path for communicating the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the gas discharge part without going through the work chamber;
A sterilizing substance supply unit for supplying a sterilizing substance into the working chamber;
After supplying the sterilizing substance from the sterilizing substance supply unit into the working chamber to sterilize the working chamber, the discharge of the sterilizing substance from the working chamber is started, and the sterilizing substance in the working chamber has a predetermined concentration or less. A control unit that switches the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path,
An isolator comprising: Further comprising a decompression means for decompressing the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass channel;
The control unit controls the gas flow path so that the gas passes through the bypass flow path, and then controls the pressure reducing means to depressurize the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass flow path. The isolator according to claim 1. The gas supply unit has an intake means,
The gas discharge part has an exhaust means,
The decompression means includes the intake means and the exhaust means, and by making the exhaust amount of the exhaust means larger than the intake amount of the intake means, the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the bypass flow path The isolator according to claim 2, wherein the inside is depressurized. A valve provided to open and close a gas flow path between the gas supply unit and the particulate collection filter;
The pressure reducing means includes the valve, and the valve is closed by a predetermined amount to depressurize the gas flow downstream side of the particulate collection filter and the inside of the bypass channel. Isolator. Further comprising heating means for raising the temperature of the particulate collection filter,
The control unit controls the temperature of the particulate collection filter by the heating means after switching the gas flow path so that gas passes through the bypass flow path. The isolator according to any one of the above.   The isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sterilizing substance is hydrogen peroxide.

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