MX2007008389A - Inflatabledecontamination system - Google Patents

Abstract

A decontamination system for decontaminating an item includes an enclosure (10) comprising an inflatable structure (12) which, when inflated, defines an interior space (30) for receiving the item to be decontaminated. A source (106) of a decontaminant is fluidly connected with the interior space. The source supplies the decontaminant to the interior space for decontaminating the item. The enclosure and other components of the decontamination system are readily transportable, which enables an item, such as a motor vehicle, to be treated for a hazardous chemical or microbial agent at or close to the site at which the contamination is identified.

Description

INTEGRATED DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM The present invention relates to the field of environmental decontamination. It has particular application in combination with a portable enclosure for microbial, biological or chemical decontamination of large equipment and will be described with particular reference to this. It will be noted, however, that the invention can also be applied to the decontamination, treatment, or isolation of other elements, both large and small. Small equipment used in medicine, pharmaceutical sector, food industry and other applications are often sterilized or decontaminated microbially or otherwise before use or reuse. Concerns arise, however, when large equipment such as vehicles, food processing and pharmaceutical equipment, mail handling equipment, and the like are contaminated with chemical or biological contaminants, such as harmful organisms or other species. Such equipment is often excessively large or inadequate to be transported to a decontamination system, such as a sterilizer. In addition, there are often concerns that transporting contaminated equipment around an installation or to an off-site decontamination system can pose hazards to the people transporting the equipment or can spread contamination around the facility or equipment. transport. The published US application No. 2003/0133834 to Karle discloses an enclosure assembly that includes a structure formed from structural members and a flexible transparent enclosure that offers a closed space for isolating and / or treating patients, equipment, and the like. A treatment material such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide or another gaseous or steam sterilizing agent can be fed into the enclosure for the purpose of microbially decontaminating or otherwise treating the equipment. The enclosure is quickly assembled and disassembled after use, making it suitable for treating large equipment that can not be easily moved or that is too large to fit in conventional sterilization equipment. The Karle system is suitable for smaller enclosures where the height of the structure makes assembly feasible. Due to the large number of components, there is a risk that an important part of the structure may be lost if the assembly has been previously used and repackaged without care. The present invention offers a new improved portable environmental enclosure as well as a method for its use that overcome the above mentioned problems as well as other problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a decontamination system for decontaminating an element includes an enclosure comprising an inflatable structure which, when inflated, defines an interior space for receiving the element to be decontaminated. . A source of decontamination agent is fluidly connected to the interior space. The source feeds the decontamination agent into the interior space to decontaminate the element. In accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a method for decontaminating an element is provided. The method includes inflating inflatable structural elements to form an enclosure with an interior space to maintain the enclosure vertical and transport an element within the interior space. The element is sealed in the enclosure and a gaseous decontamination agent is introduced into the interior space in order to decontaminate the element. An advantage of at least one embodiment is that the decontamination system is easily transported to a site at the location at which the contamination occurred or at the site at which the contamination was recognized or near that location.

Another advantage of at least one mode is that the system is used for a short period of time. Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the system can be stored, when not in use, in a small volume. Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the passages forming the enclosure are heated by the inflation air, reducing the condensation of the decontamination agent between the decontamination agent source and the internal part of the enclosure. Another advantage of at least one embodiment is that the enclosure has temperature control on all sides. Other additional advantages will be apparent from reading the following description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit it. Additional modalities may be devised by people with ordinary knowledge in the subject when reading and following the detailed description. The invention is considered as including all of these additional embodiments that are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a decontamination system in accordance with the present invention; lUtUi-U,. ¡, i,, Figure 2 is a top plan view of the decontamination system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the decontamination system of Figure 1 with the front doors open; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side portion of the enclosure of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, a portable decontamination system A includes a portable enclosure 10 which is suitable to temporarily isolate and decontaminate large elements. When required, the enclosure 10 is easily erected to isolate a contaminated or potentially contaminated element relative to the surrounding environment and to subsequently decontaminate the element with a gaseous or liquid decontamination agent. The gaseous decontamination agent may take the form of a gas, vapor, aerosol, or mist. Suitable gaseous decontamination agents include oxidizing agents, in particular peroxides such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide with a co-agent, such as, for example, ammonia or UV radiation. Other suitable gaseous decontamination agents include high temperature air and other gaseous decontamination agents capable of destroying, deactivating, or otherwise rendering the less harmful contaminant. While reference is made particularly to hydrogen peroxide in the vapor state, it will be noted that other gaseous decontamination agents and combinations of decontamination agents are also contemplated. The term "decontamination," as used herein, encompasses microbial decontamination - the destruction or deactivation of biological contamination agents including living microorganisms and multiplying harmful biological substances, such as, for example, prions. The term also covers chemical decontamination - the destruction or deactivation of chemical agents that are harmful to humans at low levels (eg, below about 10 ppm), such as agents for chemical warfare. It is not intended to cover only the physical removal of such contaminants, without destruction or deactivation, as in a cleaning process, even though a decontamination process may also effect a cleaning. A "decontamination agent", as used here, is a substance that can achieve decontamination. The enclosure 10 is configured to perform decontamination processes, particularly chemical decontamination and microbial decontamination processes, such as sterilization or minor forms of decontamination., including disinfection and sanitization. Elements that can be isolated and decontaminated in the enclosure 10 include passenger and motorized transport vehicles, such as, for example, ambulances, automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles for roads, military vehicles such as, for example, tanks and transportation. of personnel and ammunition, aircraft, food and beverage processing equipment, such as equipment for cooking, processing, cooling, slicing, packing and stuffing, as well as pharmaceutical equipment. Other equipment can be treated as medical and veterinary equipment contaminated with bodily fluids or other sources of microorganisms, including beds, chairs, washing facilities and the like. A pharmaceutical processing team, mail handling equipment, and other equipment can be isolated and treated. The element is typically a known or suspected element of being contaminated with a chemical or biological contamination agent that is detrimental to humans, such as chemical warfare agents, agents for biological warfare and naturally occurring chemical and biological contaminants. . The element is easily isolated and treated without moving the element towards a permanent isolation unit, built for purpose, reducing the possibility of harmful microorganisms or other contamination agents diffusing around an installation. In addition, some equipment that is excessively heavy or large for convenient movement can be cleaned in place. In the enclosure 10 it includes a flexible inflatable structure 12. When inflated with a fluid for inflating, such as air, as shown in Figure 1, the inflated structure 12 provides a rigid independent pairing type. The structure 12 is self-supporting, and does not require a structure of support members formed of a rigid series, although said structure may be employed if desired. Referring also to Figure 2, the inflatable structure 12 includes several inflatable walls 14, 16, 18. While the enclosure 10 is illustrated with an inflatable rear wall 14 and inflatable side walls 16, 18 that extend and form an upward arc. In order to form a roof 20 of the structure 12 (FIGURE 1), it will be understood that any number of walls can be employed provided that the enclosure can be inflated for its intended purpose. One or more of the walls 14, 16, 18 or portions of the walls may include non-inflatable portions. For example, the rear wall 14 can be formed alternately of a single layer or a double layer. The walls 14, 16, 18 define an inflatable support formed by a set of tubular members or other structural elements 21 suitably defining interconnected inflation passages 22. Once inflated, and tied or anchored in another way as necessary, the The enclosure can withstand AR speeds of up to approximately 160 km / hr. The enclosure 10 optionally includes a floor 24, suitable for placement on a support surface 26 !. In one embodiment, the floor has thermal insulation in order to facilitate an exact temperature control. Alternatively, the support structure 12 is fixed with tape or otherwise sealed on the support surface 26 and has transverse structures, as necessary, to help maintain the base of the walls in the correct location. The enclosure 10 is lightweight and, before inflating, can be stored in a suitcase 28 of suitable size. As shown in Figure 2, an interior space 30 within the enclosure 10 can be sealed relative to the surrounding atmosphere in order to create a substantially hermetic isolation chamber for carrying out a decontamination process. Specifically, the floor 24 of the enclosure is sealed on the adjacent walls, at a lower end thereof. The rear wall 14 is sealed around its perimeter on the adjacent side walls 16, 18. An access opening 32, at one end of the enclosure opposite the rear wall 14 is sealed, during decontamination, by a closure comprising an internal door 34 and an external door 36 that define an antechamber 38 therebetween. The doors 34, 36 each comprise a set of closure members in the form of flexible panels 40, 42, 44 (Figure 1) which may be formed of the same material as the inflatable structure 12. The panels are folded, rolled, or pulled to the sides in another manner as shown in Figure 3, to provide access to the enclosed space 30. Clamping members 36 along the edges of the panels 40, 42, 44 allow the panels to be sealed between them and over the floor when they are in the closed position. Suitable clamping members 46 include tape with loops and hooks (for example, tape with loops and Chico ™ hooks, found in Stretchline (Textiles) Ltd, Tetbury, Gos; Uk, United Kingdom, or Sailboat ™). Other suitable fastening members include closures, and Ziploc® closure types. A ribbon of hooks and loops Chico ™ for example, is a pyro-retardant tape formed 100% nylon. It has a damping effect that isolates and reduces vibrations and, when firmly closed, acts as an effective filter for dust and, in one mode, it approves of snow and sand. In Figure 1, the outer door has a central panel 40 that includes a transparent portion 48 to provide a window to the interior space 30. The central panel 40 may be rolled up from the floor and secured by fastening tapes or fasteners. 50 fixed on a fixed panel 52 (Figure 3) for access to the interior 30. Two side panels 42, 44, are also pulled to the side and maintained through ribbons or straps 54 directly attached to the inflatable structure 12. The door internal 34 can be constructed in a similar way. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an inflation system 60 is connected to the interconnected inflation passages 22 prior to the inflation process. The inflation system 60 includes a compressor 62 or other suitable air suppressor that pressurizes the atmospheric air. Suitable blowers are electrically operated pumps even when a manually operated pump can be used alternatively. The inflation system also optionally includes heating and / or cooling equipment 64 for heating / cooling the air before entering the passages 22. The compressor 62 may have two or more operating speeds in order to provide air flow rates low and high. The high flow regime is used to initially inflate the structure 12 and the low flow rate is used to sustain the inflated structure. The temperature controlled air enters the passages 22 and provides an adjustable temperature air envelope around the interior space 30 which allows the appropriate temperature for effective decontamination maintained within the interior space. In the case of hydrogen peroxide vapor, a suitable temperature is a temperature that eliminates or minimizes the condensation of the hydrogen peroxide vapor in the walls of the enclosure or in the elements to be decontaminated and is generally higher than the temperature of the surrounding outdoor environment. . A switch (not shown) or the like is optionally provided in the pump 62 which allows a user to change the pump from the inflation mode to a deflation mode. The inflation system 60 typically operates approximately 1-300 m3 / min. Depending on the size of the blower and the size of the inflatable structure, the enclosure may be raised in a relatively short period of time, typically in less than about 1 hour. In the case of larger enclosures, several blowers can be used in order to increase the inflation speed. The inflation system 60 is connected to the interior 30 through an inlet port 70 of the inflatable enclosure. As shown, a thermally insulated air duct 72 extends between the inflation system and the wall 18 of the enclosure. In one embodiment the end of the air duct is equipped with a suitable connecting member 74 for quick connection with a corresponding connecting member 76 extending from the inlet port 70. Alternatively, a permanent connection may be provided between the duct 72 and the wall inlet port 70. The inflation system 60 also optionally supplies fresh air to the antechamber 38 through an inlet or several inlets 78. The air can be heated or cooled as in the case of air in the passages, thus ensuring a controlled temperature environment on all sides of the enclosure 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the walls 14, 16, 18 and the roof 20 of the enclosure are formed from the internal and external panels 80., 82 of flexible material, usually placed parallel to each other. The panels 80, 82 are connected to each other by vertically extending connecting members 84, which can be formed from the same material. Together, the inner and outer layers and the connecting members form the tubular members defining the through passages 22. The walls 14, 16, 18 may be vertical or have a generally inward slope towards their upper ends, adjacent to the roof portion 20, as illustrated in Figure 1. The passages 22 defining the side walls 16, 18 and roof portion 20 therefore extend generally vertically from the floor 24 to form the first side wall 16, encompass the portion of ceiling 20 and continue down the other wall 18 to the floor. The connecting members 84 define openings 86 that allow air to flow through the passages and equalize the pressure. An outlet check valve 88 on the outer panel 82 of the wall 16 opposite the inlet allows the release of the excess pressure above a preselected maximum pressure and allows the passages to be continuously or intermittently filled with heated or cooled air, if desired The panels 40, 42, 44, 80, 82 are sealed together at their edges in order to provide an airtight or substantially hermetic interior space. It will be noted that each panel can be formed from two separate panels or from a larger number of separate panels which are sealed together at their respective edges. Or substantially hermetic it is understood that if the pressurized air equivalent to approximately 3.8 cm of water is supplied to the enclosure and allowed to equilibrate for 2 minutes, and then the supply of air pressure is disconnected, the pressure inside the enclosure after 5 minutes additional will be at least about 2 cm of water, in one embodiment, at least about 2.5 cm of water. The enclosure can be tested for leaks, before use, in order to check that the enclosure is substantially hermetic, for example, by pressurizing the enclosure to approximately 1.2 cm of water, balanced for one minute, and performing a test to ensure that an acceptable pressure level is maintained, such as a 1.0 cm water pressure after 2 minutes. The floor 24 of the enclosure is optionally heated to heat the interior space 30. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the floor comprises lower and upper layers of flexible material 90, 92. A flexible resistance heating element 94 or other The heat source is located in a space 96 between the two layers. In one embodiment, the 24th floor comprises sections, each section having its own associated heating source. A mobile source 100 of a gaseous decontamination agent feeds a gaseous decontamination agent into the interior space 30. As shown in Figure 2, the source 100 is located outside the enclosure, even though it is contemplated that the source is transported alternately to the internal part, before decontamination. A suitable source 100 for supplying hydrogen peroxide in the vapor state includes a source 102 of liquid hydrogen peroxide in solution, such as, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide tank at a concentration of about 20-40% by weight of hydrogen peroxide. . The liquid hydrogen peroxide is fed by a pump 104 to a vaporizer 106 wherein the hydrogen peroxide and water are vaporized on a heated surface (Not illustrated). The steam is carried in a vehicle gas such as air or other flow medium, fed to a vehicle gas source 108, such as a blower or pressurized tank. The blower 108 can operate at approximately 1-300 m3 / min. For larger enclosures, several mobile sources 100 may be employed. The air is optionally dehumidified in a dehumidifier 110 and heated by a heater 112 before being combined with the hydrogen peroxide in the vapor state. A suitable mobile source 100 of sterilizing agent is a STERIS VHP 1000 ™ hydrogen peroxide vapor generator. Other suitable vaporizers are disclosed in US Patent No. 6, 734,405 to Centanni et al, and in Published US Patent Application No. 2002/0159915 to Zelina, et al. Other vapor, mist, or aerosol generating equipment suitable for generating the gaseous decontamination agent are also contemplated. Alternatively, the gaseous decontamination agent is generated in situ, inside the enclosure or is fed from a pressurized container (for example, as is the case with ozone). The vaporizer 106 is connected through one or more thermally insulated feed ducts 114 which pass through corresponding access ports 116 in the wall of the enclosure 16, 18 and are transported in or through the passages 22 to the interior 30. In the interior, the conduits 114 may be branched to provide a gas decontamination distribution network 118. The bodies 116 are sealed around the conduits to reduce leakage. Alternatively, the conduit or conduits 114 and the network 118 can be selectively connected through releasable connecting members, such as for the air supply conduit 72. The distribution network 118 includes a number of flexible conduits 120 that can be collapsible. The conduits 120 convey the gaseous decontamination agent to several decontamination agent feed inlets 122 in the form of vents or nozzles spaced around the inner part 30. The heated air within the passages 22 helps to prevent or limit the condensation of the peroxide of hydrogen or other vapor decontamination agent between the source 100 and the nozzles 122. The nozzles 122 feed the gaseous decontamination agent into the interior space 30. The nozzles can be directional to assist the circulation of the decontamination agent. One or more ventilators 124 or other circulation devices optionally assist in distributing the gaseous decontamination agent inside. The conduits 120 may be constructed in the passages 22, in which case they may be folded flat or held in place, in the interior, through appropriately positioned fasteners or ties 126. To ensure that the decontamination agent comes in contact with portions of an element that are poorly accessible to the decontamination agent, flexible hoses 128 communicate between the vaporizer and the interior 30 through selectively operable ports 130 formed in the interior and exterior panels 80, 82. , as can be better seen in Figure 5. The flexible hoses 128 can be directed towards areas that are not easily accessible, for example, through windows of a vehicle to be decontaminated. In the illustrated embodiment, the bodies 130 are covered, when not in use, by closures 132 such as flexible fins formed from Chico ™ O Velero ™ hook and loop belts or other suitable sealing members. The flexible hoses 128 are fed through the wall 16, 18, if necessary, in such a way that they extend between the internal part and the external part. The ports 130 are configured to tightly grip the hoses, minimize leakage from the interior 30. An additional seal material, such as duct tape, is optionally used to help seal around the hoses 128 on the ports 130. Alternatively, Distribution tubes integrated in the passages 22 terminate in operable / sealable connection ports along the interior. With reference to Figure 4, sensors 140 within the enclosure detect one or more parameters of the interior space 30, such as for example temperature, humidity, concentration of decontamination agent (e.g., concentration of hydrogen peroxide), concentration of a contaminating agent. (for example, anthrax spores, or a chemical agent for war) concentration of a product from a reaction of a pollutant with the decontamination agent (such as the product of a reaction of chemical agent for the war with hydrogen peroxide) ), and similar. In one embodiment, several sensors 140 of each type are located around the interior space 30. The sensors are hung from hanging straps or attachments 142 properly mounted on the internal panels 80 and communicate with the monitoring and control system 144, as for example a microprocessor, placed outside the enclosure 10 through suitable optical or electrical connectors 146. Biological and / or chemical indicators 148 are optionally located within the enclosure and examined after the decontamination process. Suitable biological indicators include a population of spores or other microorganisms that are difficult to kill. The presence of residual living spores after decontamination is an indication that the decontamination process was inadequate. Suitable chemical indicators present a visual or otherwise detectable change in response to a preselected minimum concentration of the decontamination agent. The monitoring and control system 144 includes a monitoring function 150 that records inputs from the sensors and determines / stores values of the detected parameters. The system 144 also includes a control function 152 that provides feedback control to the source 100 decontamination agent in response to the detected parameters. The control function 152 uses the information provided by the monitoring function 150 to control variables, such as the vaporization rate of hydrogen peroxide, the carrier gas flow rate, the carrier gas temperature, the gas temperature of the inflation and flow rate, power to heater 94, and other operating parameters in order to maintain desired conditions for decontamination within the enclosure. For example, when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide detected in the interior 30 is outside a preselected range, the control function 152 instructs the source 100 of the decontamination agent to increase or decrease the rate of production of hydrogen peroxide. . Alternatively or additionally, the control function 152 provides a feedback control to other components of the system. For example, if the temperature inside the enclosure is outside a preselected range, the control function 152 instructs the heater 64 to adjust the temperature of the air entering the passages, its rate of introduction, or instructs the floor heater. 94 to adjust the temperature of the floor in order to bring the temperature within the preselected range. In this way, the system components can be adjusted to maintain a concentration of hydrogen peroxide within the interior space 30 in a preselected range, such as 0.1-5 mg / L (72-3600ppm), for example 0.1-2.0. mg / L and avoid reaching saturation concentrations. In one embodiment, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is at least about 0.7 mg / L (400 + ppm). A temperature in the inner space 30 of about 15-120 ° C can be used, for example, at least 25 ° C. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in steam is selected so that it is below the saturation point which depends on the temperature in the interior 30. As shown in Figure 2, the steam used, mixed with air from the interior 30, optionally leaves the enclosure 10 through an outlet duct 154 connected to an exit port 156 and is transported advantageously to a catalytic converter 158 or another destroyer before being released to the atmosphere. A filter system 160 in the outlet duct removes traces of residual contaminants in the outgoing air. For example, the filter system 160 includes a HEPA filter that traps microorganisms. A chemical filter is optionally included which removes certain harmful chemical agents. A pump 162 is used, in the illustrated mode, to actively remove the steam used. One or several outlet vents 164 meet the antechamber wall 38 and are connected to the outlet conduit 154 through suitable flexible hoses 165 to remove air from the antechamber. Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the vapor is recirculated through the vaporizer through a return line 166, optionally after passing through a catalytic converter 168, the dehumidifier 110 and heater 112 (FIGURE 2). Hydrogen peroxide is a particularly effective decontamination agent for many microorganisms carried in air and other toxic materials including chemical and biological warfare agents. Shows effectiveness against a wide range of endospore and vegetative forming bacteria (eg, anthrax); mushrooms; virus; yeasts, and prions. It is also effective against many agents for chemical warfare, including organ sulfur agents such as mustard gas (H, HD, HS); agents that affect the nerves of the G series (organophosphate agents that affect the nerves), such as tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD) and cyclosarin (GF); V-series agents that affect the nerves such as VX, VE, VG, VM and V gas, especially when used in combination with ammonia in a proportion of hydrogen peroxide: ammonia between 1: 1 and 1: 0.0001. The spores responsible for anthrax and other microbial contamination, for example, are easily destroyed using a brief period of exposure to hydrogen peroxide of a few minutes. The destruction of chemical warfare agents can take several hours. In one embodiment, the decontamination agent reduces the population of living microorganisms or the concentration by weight of the detrimental chemical agent to less than 1% of the original value in one embodiment, reduces the contaminant to undetectable levels. Ozone also neutralizes most biological and chemical contaminants. The chemical and biological contaminants can also be treated with another decontamination agent, such as UV radiation, or the like. Before introducing the vapor, a slightly negative pressure can be applied on the interior 30 of the enclosure in order to accelerate the introduction and dispersion of the vapor. The enclosure 10 can maintain an internal pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure or slightly lower than atmospheric pressure. Pressures below atmospheric pressure are preferred when it is desirable to minimize leakage of airborne contaminants from the enclosure. In one embodiment, in the case of decontamination with hydrogen peroxide vapor, the enclosure can withstand approximately 3 times a normal operating pressure of 2-5 cm of water to provide a margin of safety. In one embodiment, the enclosure 10 is formed from a flexible sheet material which is airtight and water resistant, such as vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is also resistant to chemical decontamination agents such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide. A suitable material is sold under the trademark V3F Polytarp, and is a woven polyester fabric of 77 g / m2 by weight which is laminated on both sides with flexible PVC, providing a material of approximately 580 g / m2. This material is resistant to cracking at temperatures of about -25 ° C and above. The enclosure can therefore be used for indoor or outdoor decontamination under conditions of varying temperatures within a range of about -50 and +50 ° C. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, in one embodiment, portions of the walls 14 , 16, 18 are transparent to provide operators outside the venue with a view of what is happening inside. For example, windows 170 are formed in the walls by forming middle portions 172, 174, 176 of the inner and outer panels 80, 82 and connecting members 84 from panels of a transparent material, such as, for example, clear PVC sheets. . A suitable PVC sheet material has a thickness of 0.5 mm and a weight of 646 g / m2 and is sold under the trade name Velbex ™ in Wardle Storeys Ltd., Earby, Coiné, Lancashire, UK. Seals between the various panels of sheets can be double-jointed and sewn, bonded by adhesive, thermally fused together, or the like. The interior panels 80 of the walls can be coated with an antifungal coating, stabilized against UV, coated with a water repellent agent. The water-repellent ingredients resist the condensation of steam on the walls of the enclosure, while the anti-fungal components inhibit the growth of fungi in the enclosure during storage. The size of the enclosure 10 is variable, according to the size of the item to be decontaminated. Typically, the interior volume can be approximately 20m3 approximately 10,000m3. For example, to decontaminate vehicles, such as ambulances, the interior can define a volume of approximately 10m x 8m x 4m. In the case of larger vehicles, such as aircraft, the enclosure can be significantly larger. The enclosure can be significantly larger. For larger enclosures, for example, above approximately 500-1000 m3 the structure 12 may not be fully self-supporting, in this case, an internal or external structure (not shown) of metal posts or the like is constructed and the enclosure is supported there. Additionally or alternatively to allow the supply of gaseous decontamination agent to the interior, the enclosure 10 is optionally adapted to facilitate the treatment of an element of other forms. For example, as shown in FIGURE 4, a liquid conduit 180 is optionally connected with one or more spray nozzles 182 within the interior space 30 to wash or otherwise treat the element for the purpose of removing solid contaminants that are removable with water, detergents, liquid decontamination agents, or combinations thereof. A drain 184 is formed in the floor and the enclosure is positioned to allow the liquid used and the dust and associated contaminants to flow into a sump 186 formed in the support surface. The fluids collected in the sump optionally placed in bags and discarded through a hazardous waste treatment facility or otherwise appropriately treated in order to remove contaminants. The enclosure 10 is particularly suitable for the treatment of vehicles and articles that can be transported in a vehicle, for example, in a trolley with wheels or conveyor, in the enclosure.

A typical decontamination is carried out in the following manner. A contamination event, such as the release of chemical or biological warfare agents occurs and is reported to an operator transporting the deflated enclosure 10 and all or a portion of the related equipment 60, 100, 158, 160, etc. to a site where the decontamination of contaminated elements or potentially contaminated elements must be carried out. For example, the enclosure 10, steam generator 100, blower 60, and the like are loaded onto a truck and transported to an indoor or outdoor site or facility at the location of the contamination event or near the location of the contamination event. . This reduces the risk of spreading the contamination. The enclosure 10 is removed from its case 28 and extended, ready to be inflated. The blower 80 is connected to the port 70 and the inflation process begins, optionally also with heating / cooling of the air and / or floor. As soon as the enclosure has reached a sufficiently stable inflated state, the vehicle or other item (s) to be decontaminated is transported in the enclosure by personnel wearing protective clothing against hazardous materials, windows, doors, etc. of the vehicle are opened in order to allow access to the decontamination agent. Sensors 140 and chemical / biological indications 148 are suspended from the enclosure or otherwise located within the interior space 30. Ends of the flexible tubes 120, 128 are pushed through their respective ports, for example, from the inside to the outside, and connected to the source of decontamination agent 100. The hoses 128 are positioned in such a way that their outlets are located in less accessible parts of the vehicle while tubes 120 are suspended from fasteners 126. The internal and external doors 34, 36 of the enclosure are closed and ribbons of hooks and loops 46 are sealed together, before initiating the introduction of the gaseous decontamination agent. The pressure in the interior space 30 can be reduced to a pressure slightly lower than the atmospheric pressure in order to minimize leakage of contaminants and with the object of accelerating the introduction of the decontamination agent. If a washing or liquid contamination operation is to be carried out, this operation is optionally carried out before the gas decontamination, even though it could be carried out alternatively after the gas decontamination or instead of it. The gaseous decontamination agent is introduced into the interior space 30 in order to achieve a concentration sufficient to ensure decontamination of the element to an acceptable level within a preselected time span, such as from a few minutes to several days. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, for example, a concentration of approximately 400-1000 ppm at a temperature of 20-50 ° C is generally sufficient to reduce microbial contamination by a 6 log reduction (ie, a population of 106 spores). is reduced to one or less) in less than about 2 hours, and in general in about 30 minutes or less. Similar concentrations, and temperatures can be used to destroy chemical agents or reduce their activity to a level at which they are not considered dangerous. Longer times may be necessary however. Once the decontamination period is finished, the interior space 30 is aerated, as for example, by turning the vaporizer 106 off and by introducing external, dehumidified air, with the blower 108 while extracting air through one or several vents 156. Alternatively or additionally, vents 188 in the inflation passages 22 release air into the room. The vents 188 may be closed, when not in use, by fins covered with hook straps and Chico ™ or Velero ™ loops, similar to vents 132. To fasten the vanes in the open position, the hook and loop tape can be temporarily fixed through ribbon of hooks and loops on a fabric of corresponding hooks and loops ???? l k, .1, fixed on the inner wall 80. A 190 mesh covers the vent and allows air to pass freely through it. Aeration proceeds until the concentration of decontamination agent within the enclosure is low enough for operators to penetrate again. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, a safe level is considered to be approximately one ppm, or less. The aeration phase can last several hours, or more. The vehicle or other contaminated item can be tested to determine the presence of residual contaminants before returning to service. Or, if appropriate, the element can be discarded. After use, the inflatable enclosure 10 can be deflated and repacked in a transport bag 28 for subsequent reuse. Prior to repackaging, the enclosure is optionally subjected to a suitable decontamination process, such as, for example, through a gaseous decontamination process, for example, with a hydrogen peroxide vapor. Said decontamination process can be used to decontaminate both external and internal surfaces of the enclosure. Alternatively, the enclosure is used once and then disposed of, using an appropriate safe disposal method. It will be noted that, depending on the size of the element and the size of the enclosure, several elements can be decontaminated simultaneously within the enclosure.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1. A decontamination system (A) for decontaminating an element, said system is characterized in that it comprises: an enclosure (10) comprising an inflatable structure (2) that, when inflated, defines an interior space (30) to receive the item to be decontaminated; and a source (106) of a decontamination agent fluidly connected to the interior space that feeds the decontamination agent into the interior space to decontaminate the element.
2. 2. The decontamination system according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the source of a decontamination agent includes a source of gaseous decontamination agent.
3. 3. The decontamination system according to claim 2, further characterized in that: the source of the gaseous decontamination agent includes a source of hydrogen peroxide.
4. 4. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-3, further characterized in that: the decontamination agent source is outside the enclosure and communicates with the interior space through a wall (14, 16, 18) of the enclosure.
5. 5. The decontamination system in accordance with I, 1; any of claims 1-4, further characterized in that it comprises: an inflation system (60), connected to the enclosure for inflating the inflatable structure.
6. The decontamination system according to claim 5, further including a heater (64), associated with the inflation system, for heating the air fed to inflate the structure.
7. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-6, further characterized in that it comprises: a closure (34, 36) for selectively sealing the interior space.
8. The decontamination system according to claim 7, further characterized in that: the closure includes internal and external doors (34, 36) defining an antechamber (38) between them, the antechamber separates the internal space from the external environment .
9. 9. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-9, further characterized in that: the inflatable structure includes inflatable tubular elements (21) defining side walls (16, 18) and a roof (20) of the enclosure.
10. 10. The decontamination system according to claim 9, further characterized in that: the inflatable structure, when inflated, defines an inflated rear wall (14) of the closure which is connected to the side walls and to the ceiling.
11. The decontamination system according to claim 9 or 10, further characterized in that: at least a portion of the tubular elements is constructed of transparent materials defining windows (170).
12. The decontamination system according to any of claims 9-11, further characterized in that: the enclosure further includes a floor (24) connected to the side walls (16, 18) of the enclosure.
13. The decontamination system according to claim 12, further characterized in that: the floor includes a drain (184).
14. The decontamination system according to claim 12 or 13, further characterized in that: the floor includes a heater (94).
15. 15. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-14, further characterized in that: the inflatable structure defines several interconnected inflatable passages (22), said passages, when inflated, define structural elements (21) that support the structure .
16. 16. The decontamination system according to claim 15, further characterized in that: the source of decontamination agent is fluidly connected to the interior space through at least one conduit (114), the conduit is brought to through at least one of the interior passages of the inflatable structure.
17. 17. The decontamination system according to claim 16, further characterized in that it has: a vent (188) mounted on an internal panel (80) that defines a wall of one of the inflatable passages.
18. 18. The decontamination system according to claim 17, further characterized in that: the vent includes: a flexible fin (132); and a fabric of loops and hooks to hold the flap in the open state.
19. 19. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-18, further characterized in that it comprises: a sensor (140) supported by the inflatable structure, for detecting a parameter within the interior space.
20. 20. The decontamination system in accordance with the "t ????? 1 ????" claim 19, further characterized by comprising: a monitoring and control system (144) connected to the sensor, which controls the source of decontamination agent in accordance with the detected parameter.
21. 21. The decontamination system according to any of claims 1-18, further characterized in that: the interior space is of an appropriate size to accommodate a motor vehicle
22. 22. A method for decontaminating an element, which is characterized because said method comprises: transporting an element in the interior space (30) of the enclosure (10) of claim 1, and feeding the decontamination agent into the interior space to decontaminate the element
23. 23. The method according to claim 2 , which is further characterized because it comprises: adjust the temperature of an inflation gas, and inflate the inflatable structure with the inflation gas, so that the temperature of the space is adjusted
24. 24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, further characterized in that: the enclosure includes a floor (24) fixed on the inflatable structure, the method further comprising: adjusting the floor temperature of the enclosure, so which adjusts the temperature of the enclosure.
25. 25. The method according to any of claims 22-24, further characterized in that it includes: detecting a parameter within the interior space; and controlling the source of a decontamination agent in accordance with the detected parameter.
26. 26. A method for decontaminating an element, said method comprises: inflating inflatable structural elements (21) of an enclosure (10) with an interior space (30) to maintain the enclosure raised; transport an element to the interior space; seal the element in the enclosure; and introducing a gaseous decontamination agent into the interior space to decontaminate the element.