US20060270887A1 - Decontamination apparatus and methods - Google Patents
Decontamination apparatus and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20060270887A1 US20060270887A1 US10/952,899 US95289904A US2006270887A1 US 20060270887 A1 US20060270887 A1 US 20060270887A1 US 95289904 A US95289904 A US 95289904A US 2006270887 A1 US2006270887 A1 US 2006270887A1
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- hydrogen peroxide
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
- A61L2/208—Hydrogen peroxide
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2202/16—Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
- A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
Definitions
- the invention relates to decontamination. More particularly, the invention relates to decontamination against chemical and biological agents.
- catalytic systems have been developed to decompose hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (e.g., to provide oxygen for use in rocket propulsion).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,741 to Watkins and U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,248 to Watkins et al. disclose such catalytic systems.
- One aspect of the invention involves a decontamination method. At least a first flow of hydrogen peroxide is directed to a catalytic reactor. The first flow is passed through a catalyst so as to decompose at least a portion of the first flow into water and oxygen. A discharge flow of the water and oxygen and additional hydrogen peroxide is directed to a contaminated location so as to provide a decontamination.
- a vessel contains a supply of hydrogen peroxide.
- a catalytic reactor is coupled to the vessel to receive a first flow and at least partially decompose hydrogen peroxide from the first flow into decomposition products.
- An outlet is positioned to direct a discharge flow containing the decomposition products and undecomposed hydrogen peroxide to a contaminated location.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first decontamination system.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second decontamination system.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a third decontamination system.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a fourth decontamination system.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fifth decontamination system.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a catalyst bed assembly of a decontamination system.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing of the catalyst bed assembly of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a downstream end portion of the catalyst bed assembly of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate catalyst bed assembly.
- a catalytic decomposition system may decompose a first hydrogen peroxide flow or portion thereof and help drive an additional non-decomposing hydrogen peroxide flow or portion for decontamination.
- FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary decontamination system 20 mounted on a vehicle 22 (e.g., a self-propelled or towed wheeled or tracked vehicle).
- the system 20 delivers an output/discharge flow or stream 24 (e.g., essentially a gaseous mixture) containing a quantity of hydrogen peroxide effective for decontamination use.
- the exemplary system 20 includes a vessel (e.g., a tank) containing a relatively high concentration of hydrogen peroxide (e.g., in excess of a 70% solution (weight percent unless noted), more advantageously in excess of a 90% solution, and most advantageously in excess of a 95% solution, such as an approximately 98% solution).
- the hydrogen peroxide is delivered through a conduit 30 to a catalytic reactor 32 .
- This flow from the tank may be a blow-down flow caused by a pressurant gas (e.g., nitrogen).
- An exemplary pressurant gas is stored in a separate vessel or tank 34 coupled to a headspace of the tank 26 via a conduit 36 .
- Valves may control the flow through the conduits 30 and 36 and may be actuated by a control system (also not shown).
- the reactor 32 and/or an outlet therefrom may be capable of orientational and/or positional changes such as via an actuator system 40 (e.g., electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) to permit aiming of the stream 24 such as for sweeping a discharge pattern over a larger area to be contaminated.
- an actuator system 40 e.g., electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic
- the catalytic reaction in the reactor 32 converts just a portion of the hydrogen peroxide delivered to the reactor. For example, with a reactor input flow of 98% hydrogen peroxide, sufficient hydrogen peroxide may be decomposed into water vapor and oxygen that the discharge stream 24 will have a hydrogen peroxide content of approximately 35% (at a temperature of about 260° C. (500° F.) compared with about 950° C. (1750° F.) for full decomposition). The decomposition releases energy which heats and further expands the reaction products (in addition to the 50% molar expansion). The expansion may substantially drive the stream 24 including the entrained unreacted hydrogen peroxide.
- a broader range of the percentage of the hydrogen peroxide which may be decomposed may result in an output stream having 10-75% hydrogen peroxide.
- a narrower range is 15-35%.
- An exemplary temperature of the stream 24 is 170-280° C. (800-1000° R).
- An exemplary flow rate may depend upon the particular application (e.g., 0.05-9 kg/s). With a system sized for decontaminating typical military vehicles, an exemplary flow rate may be in the range of 1-3 kg/s.
- An exemplary system for open area decontamination may have a rate of 2-5 kg/s per reactor.
- An exemplary reactor is self-heating due to the catalytic reaction and thus lacking external heating (e.g., electric) at least during post-start-up conditions. An external start-up preheater for the reactor is an option.
- the stream 24 may be directly against a surface to be decontaminated or may be directed for area decontamination (e.g., of a field, street, and the like).
- area decontamination e.g., of a field, street, and the like.
- An alternate open air use is more of a point defense operation with the stream 24 directed against an incoming cloud of biological or chemical warfare agent or counterstream against an incoming stream of such agent.
- FIG. 2 shows another application wherein such a system 50 is mounted in an aircraft 52 having a fuselage 54 .
- the hydrogen peroxide and pressurant tanks 60 and 62 may be contained within the fuselage.
- a conduit network 64 extends from the hydrogen peroxide tank to a number of separate reactors 66 mounted along the wing (either externally or internally) and discharging streams 68 .
- the streams may be discharged in a generally downward direction for area decontamination (e.g., of open fields or other outdoor areas).
- An exemplary number of separate reactors is 2-8 with at least one on each of the port and starboard sides of the wing.
- Unmanned and rotary wing aircraft are alternate platforms as are less integrated systems (e.g., substantially externally mounted systems).
- FIG. 3 shows a system 80 for decontaminating an enclosed area 82 (e.g., one or more rooms within a building 84 ).
- the system may be mounted on a self-propelled or towed wheeled or tracked vehicle 86 and may include pressurant and peroxide tanks 88 and 90 and a reactor 92 similarly connected as those of the system 20 .
- the reactor is coupled to a discharge conduit network 94 which may include several branches terminating in several nozzles 96 discharging respective streams 98 . These nozzles may be configured to distribute relatively diffuse (e.g., omnidirectional) gaseous streams 98 .
- the individual nozzles may be located in separate rooms, a common room, or may be coupled to a building HVAC system providing distribution of the hydrogen peroxide.
- multiple reactors remote of the vehicle could replace the multiple nozzles in a plumbing arrangement similar to that of the system 50 .
- the vehicle may be brought into the building or room to be decontaminated. Relatively small flow rates may be appropriate for decontamination of confined internal spaces. The confinement retains the hydrogen peroxide for a duration after the flow is shut-off thereby increasing effectiveness.
- a flow rate of about 0.02-0.1 kg/s for a period of about 5-10 s could substantially fill the interior space.
- the hydrogen peroxide could largely persist for a period of 5-10 minutes or longer to provide the effective decontamination.
- FIG. 4 shows the system 80 being used to decontaminate the engine(s) of an aircraft 100 .
- the conduit network 94 is positioned to discharge the hydrogen peroxide streams into one or more engine intakes (inlets) 102 forcing the hydrogen peroxide through the engine and ultimately out an engine exhaust nozzle 104 .
- This may be performed while the engine is not running (although its spools may be fixed or rotating (e.g., induced by the hydrogen peroxide flow)).
- the nozzle(s) may be mounted to a temporary cover placed over the engine intake(s) or one or more ducts may engage the intake(s) to guide the discharge flow.
- FIG. 5 shows a system 120 aboard a ship 122 .
- the system 120 may have one or more central hydrogen peroxide and pressurant tank groups feeding one or more central and/or remote reactors 124 (directly or via additional conduits) discharging streams 126 to decontaminate exposed surfaces of the ship.
- Suitable reactors may be formed in a variety of ways.
- One example is the catalyst bed assembly of Watkins et al. noted above (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth at length).
- the portion of the hydrogen peroxide flow to be decomposed may pass through the catalyst bed while a remaining portion passes around and cools the catalyst bed and/or a housing.
- the catalyst bed may be relatively undersized (e.g., so as to not decompose substantially all the hydrogen peroxide passing through the catalyst bed).
- Exemplary catalysts include: silver (e.g., formed as a screen or screen plating); and silver-based alloys. However, any catalyst that is useful in decomposing the hydrogen peroxide could be used.
- FIG. 6 shows details of a catalyst bed assembly 200 taken from Watkins et al.
- the catalyst bed assembly 200 includes a catalyst bed section 201 and a nozzle section 203 .
- the nozzle section 203 secures to the catalyst bed section 201 with suitable fasteners 205 .
- the catalyst bed section 201 has an inner diameter of approximately 10 cm when dimensioned for an exemplary use in a medium flow rate application such as building interior decontamination.
- the nozzle section 203 resides at the downstream, or outlet, end of the catalyst bed 201 .
- the nozzle 203 receives the discharge from the catalyst bed section 201 .
- the nozzle accelerates the discharge from the catalyst bed section 201 to form the exhaust stream (e.g., 24 et al.).
- the exhaust stream e.g., 24 et al.
- the nozzle section 203 can have threaded openings 229 for securing to any downstream component (e.g., the conduit assemblies 64 et al.). Also, the nozzle section 203 could be made from any suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the catalyst bed section 201 includes a catalyst can (cannister) 221 within an outer housing 207 .
- the outer housing 207 can be a cylindrical pipe having flanges 209 and 211 to secure the catalyst bed section 201 to other components (e.g., the associated vehicle, aiming actuators, or the like). However, other arrangements are possible.
- the outer housing 207 could be made from any suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the exemplary outer housing 207 secures to the nozzle section 203 using fasteners 205 .
- the flange 211 may include an annular groove 225 within which a C-shaped (in cross-section) annular metal seal 227 resides.
- the seal 227 keeps the hydrogen peroxide from escaping from the joint between the catalyst bed section 201 and the nozzle section 203 .
- any suitable seal or sealing arrangement could be used.
- the exemplary outer housing 207 includes a threaded opening 213 in an upstream face 215 .
- the opening receives a correspondingly threaded coupling 217 to create an inlet.
- the coupling 217 secures to the supply conduit (e.g., 30 et al., shown in phantom in FIG. 6 ) supplying hydrogen peroxide to the catalyst bed assembly 200 .
- the exemplary outer housing 207 includes an open interior 219 .
- the open interior 219 has a suitable size to receive the catalyst can 221 .
- the exemplary outer housing 207 has an annular shoulder 231 ( FIG. 7 ) in which a portion of the catalyst can 221 rests.
- the outer housing 207 also may have at least one threaded opening 233 for securing the catalyst can 221 on the shoulder 231 with a suitable fastener (not shown).
- a first pressure baffle 223 resides within the open interior 219 of the outer housing 207 .
- the pressure baffle 223 is preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the baffle 223 has an array of openings 239 therethrough. Exemplary openings 239 have a diameter of approximately 1-2 mm. However, other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the apertures could be used to achieve a suitable result.
- a ring 235 placed in an annular groove 237 on the inner surface of the outer housing 207 retains the pressure baffle 223 within the outer housing 207 .
- the baffle 223 reduces the pressure of the liquid hydrogen peroxide in the direction of flow. In other words, the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide downstream of the baffle 223 is less than the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide upstream of the baffle.
- neither the outer housing 207 nor the nozzle section 203 require any cooling lines to manage the heat generated in the catalyst can 221 during decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. Rather, a bypass flow of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., hydrogen peroxide that does not enter the catalyst bed) may cool the outer housing 207 and the nozzle section 203 .
- the catalyst can 221 is preferably made from a suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the exemplary catalyst can 221 has a cylindrical outer wall 241 ( FIG. 8 ) and downstream end flange 243 .
- the flange 243 includes a plurality of bypass apertures 245 .
- the interior of the exemplary catalyst can 221 has an annular groove 247 ( FIG. 6 ) adjacent the upstream end.
- the groove 247 receives a metal ring 249 .
- the downstream end of the catalyst can 221 includes an annular internal shoulder 251 .
- the contents within the catalyst can 221 are retained between the metal ring 249 and the shoulder 251 and include: a second pressure baffle 253 ; a third pressure baffle 255 ; and catalyst material 257 forming a catalyst bed therebetween.
- the second pressure baffle 253 is located adjacent the ring 249 .
- the second pressure baffle 253 is also preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the second pressure baffle 253 has an array of openings 259 therethrough.
- An exemplary baffle 253 has an outer diameter of approximately 7 cm and the openings 259 have a diameter of approximately 2.4 mm. However, other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the apertures 259 could be used to achieve a suitable result.
- the ring 249 placed in the annular groove 247 retains the pressure baffle 253 in the catalyst can 221 .
- the baffle 253 serves to reduce the pressure of the liquid hydrogen peroxide in the direction of flow. In other words, the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide downstream of the baffle 253 is less than the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide upstream of the baffle.
- the third pressure baffle 255 rests against the shoulder 251 .
- the third pressure baffle 255 is also preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy.
- the third press baffle 255 has an array of openings 261 therethrough.
- the baffle 255 has an outer diameter of approximately 7 cm and the openings 261 have a diameter of approximately 2 mm.
- other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the apertures 261 could be used to achieve a suitable result.
- the catalyst bed assembly 200 is ready to decompose the hydrogen peroxide.
- the supply of hydrogen peroxide enters the catalyst can 221 from the supply pipe with a diameter of approximately 8 cm at a flow rate of approximately 2-4 kg per second and a temperature of approximately 25° C.
- the catalyst material 257 decomposes the liquid hydrogen peroxide into water vapor, oxygen and heat.
- Other temperatures, flow rates and supply pipe sizes could be used to achieve a desired exhaust stream.
- a 98% hydrogen peroxide would decompose into water vapor and oxygen at approximately 6.9 MPa (1000 psi) and 945° C. (2192° R).
- the catalyst bed assembly 200 is designed so that a portion of the supply of hydrogen peroxide bypasses the catalyst can 221 .
- An annular gap/passageway 263 ( FIG. 8 ) exists between the outer housing 207 and the catalyst can 221 .
- the bypass liquid hydrogen peroxide fills and flows downstream through the annular gap 263 and serves to cool the catalyst can 221 .
- the liquid hydrogen peroxide in the annular gap 263 also limits heat build-up in the outer housing 207 .
- the exemplary annular gap 263 terminates at the downstream flange 243 of the catalyst can 221 .
- bypass hydrogen peroxide upon reaching the flange 243 , passes through the apertures 245 in the flange 243 .
- the amount of bypass could be controlled by the size of the annular gaps 263 , 265 , or by the number and the size of the apertures 245 .
- nozzle section 203 is likewise exposed to the heat created by the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide in the catalyst can 221 , heat build-up in the nozzle section 203 should also be controlled. Similar to the annular gap 263 , a gap 265 ( FIG. 8 ) exists between the nozzle section 203 and the catalyst can 221 at the downstream end of the catalyst can 221 .
- the liquid hydrogen peroxide provides film cooling along the interior surface of the nozzle section 203 while traveling through the nozzle section 203 .
- FIG. 9 shows a catalyst bed assembly 300 wherein, relative to the assembly 200 , an intermediate mixing section 302 intervenes between the catalyst bed section 201 and the nozzle section 203 as disclosed in Watkins.
- the mixing section 302 includes concentric inner and outer housing sections 304 and 306 , respectively, defining an annular space/passageway 308 therebetween.
- the passageway 308 forms a continuation of the cooling passageway 263 .
- the exemplary mixing section facilitates the introduction of supplemental hydrogen peroxide flows 312 A and 312 B to mix with the flow 314 exiting the catalyst bed to dilute/cool that flow to form a diluted flow 316 which finally mixes with the cooling flow to form the discharge flow 318 .
- the exemplary flows 312 A and 3123 are expelled from apertures 320 in respective spray bars 322 A and 322 B.
- the hydrogen peroxide feed conduit e.g., 30 et al.
- the hydrogen peroxide feed conduit is split into branches, with branches 324 A and 324 B feeding the respective spray bars and a branch 324 C feeding the catalyst bed.
- Flow through each of the branches may be controlled via an associated valve (not shown) actuated by the control system (not shown).
- Flow rates through the various branches may, in view of any start-up or cool-down considerations, control the total flow rate and the discharge composition and temperature.
- the introduction of the flows 312 A and 312 B downstream of the catalyst bed adds further variables which may be used to achieve a desired output. For example, if substantially all the hydrogen peroxide passing through the catalyst bed is decomposed then it is likely that the decomposition products will cause partial decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide from the flows 312 A and 312 B as the latter cool the flow 314 . To achieve a desired hydrogen peroxide concentration in the discharge flow 318 , the supplemental/bypass flows 312 A and 312 B, in combination, would represent a greater mass flow than the hydrogen peroxide in the discharge stream 318 .
- approximately 95% of the third branch 324 C hydrogen peroxide flow enters the catalyst can as a first flow for decomposition by the catalyst material.
- the remaining 5% of the hydrogen peroxide bypasses and may cool the catalyst bed assembly and mixing section. Substantially all the first flow may be decomposed.
- the combined mass flow rates through the branches 324 A and 324 B could be an exemplary 1-5 times of that through the branch 324 C, more narrowly 2-3 times.
- About half or more of the hydrogen peroxide flowing through the branches 324 A and 324 B could decompose upon encountering the catalyst output flow 314 .
- Overall bypass to through-catalyst flow rates could be similar.
- the hydrogen peroxide and pressurant tanks may need to be frequently refilled (e.g., after each mission for an airborne system, or a given number of uses for other systems).
- the catalyst can may need replenishment or replacement less frequently, if at all.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to decontamination. More particularly, the invention relates to decontamination against chemical and biological agents.
- Well developed fields exist regarding the decontamination of areas contaminated with chemical and biological agents. Various techniques involve thermal decontamination. Some are typically useful for decontaminating thermally robust contaminated locations such as the exposed surfaces of a military vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,092 to Sayler discloses a jet engine decontamination system. In such a system, the jet exhaust is directed to the contaminated surfaces and heats them sufficiently to decompose chemical agents and kill biological agents. Various such systems are vehicle-mounted permitting the jet exhaust to be controllably swept over the surfaces to be contaminated.
- More recently, concerns regarding laboratory and factory accidents, bio-terrorism, and the like encouraged development of principally chemical decontamination systems for decontaminating less robust (and often larger) locations. For example, the interior of an entire building or a portion thereof (e.g., a room) may need to be decontaminated. Exemplary chemical decontamination systems have typically involved use of chlorine (e.g., chlorine dioxide). However, use of chlorine dioxide raises certain safety considerations. Accordingly, use of hydrogen peroxide vapor for decontamination has been proposed. International Patent Publication WO 02/066082 of Steris, Inc. et al. discloses a flash vaporizer for providing antimicrobial hydrogen peroxide. Chemical systems may also be used in direct spray modes in lieu of the thermal systems. For example, it has been proposed to use a chemical system for the in situ decontamination of jet aircraft engines.
- Separately, catalytic systems have been developed to decompose hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (e.g., to provide oxygen for use in rocket propulsion). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,741 to Watkins and U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,248 to Watkins et al. disclose such catalytic systems.
- One aspect of the invention involves a decontamination method. At least a first flow of hydrogen peroxide is directed to a catalytic reactor. The first flow is passed through a catalyst so as to decompose at least a portion of the first flow into water and oxygen. A discharge flow of the water and oxygen and additional hydrogen peroxide is directed to a contaminated location so as to provide a decontamination.
- Another aspect of the invention involves a decontamination apparatus. A vessel contains a supply of hydrogen peroxide. A catalytic reactor is coupled to the vessel to receive a first flow and at least partially decompose hydrogen peroxide from the first flow into decomposition products. An outlet is positioned to direct a discharge flow containing the decomposition products and undecomposed hydrogen peroxide to a contaminated location.
- The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first decontamination system. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second decontamination system. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a third decontamination system. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a fourth decontamination system. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fifth decontamination system. -
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a catalyst bed assembly of a decontamination system. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing of the catalyst bed assembly ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a downstream end portion of the catalyst bed assembly ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate catalyst bed assembly. - Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
- A catalytic decomposition system may decompose a first hydrogen peroxide flow or portion thereof and help drive an additional non-decomposing hydrogen peroxide flow or portion for decontamination.
FIG. 1 shows a firstexemplary decontamination system 20 mounted on a vehicle 22 (e.g., a self-propelled or towed wheeled or tracked vehicle). Thesystem 20 delivers an output/discharge flow or stream 24 (e.g., essentially a gaseous mixture) containing a quantity of hydrogen peroxide effective for decontamination use. Theexemplary system 20 includes a vessel (e.g., a tank) containing a relatively high concentration of hydrogen peroxide (e.g., in excess of a 70% solution (weight percent unless noted), more advantageously in excess of a 90% solution, and most advantageously in excess of a 95% solution, such as an approximately 98% solution). The hydrogen peroxide is delivered through aconduit 30 to acatalytic reactor 32. This flow from the tank may be a blow-down flow caused by a pressurant gas (e.g., nitrogen). An exemplary pressurant gas is stored in a separate vessel ortank 34 coupled to a headspace of thetank 26 via aconduit 36. Valves (not shown) may control the flow through theconduits reactor 32 and/or an outlet therefrom may be capable of orientational and/or positional changes such as via an actuator system 40 (e.g., electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) to permit aiming of thestream 24 such as for sweeping a discharge pattern over a larger area to be contaminated. - The catalytic reaction in the
reactor 32 converts just a portion of the hydrogen peroxide delivered to the reactor. For example, with a reactor input flow of 98% hydrogen peroxide, sufficient hydrogen peroxide may be decomposed into water vapor and oxygen that thedischarge stream 24 will have a hydrogen peroxide content of approximately 35% (at a temperature of about 260° C. (500° F.) compared with about 950° C. (1750° F.) for full decomposition). The decomposition releases energy which heats and further expands the reaction products (in addition to the 50% molar expansion). The expansion may substantially drive thestream 24 including the entrained unreacted hydrogen peroxide. A broader range of the percentage of the hydrogen peroxide which may be decomposed may result in an output stream having 10-75% hydrogen peroxide. A narrower range is 15-35%. An exemplary temperature of thestream 24 is 170-280° C. (800-1000° R). An exemplary flow rate may depend upon the particular application (e.g., 0.05-9 kg/s). With a system sized for decontaminating typical military vehicles, an exemplary flow rate may be in the range of 1-3 kg/s. An exemplary system for open area decontamination may have a rate of 2-5 kg/s per reactor. An exemplary reactor is self-heating due to the catalytic reaction and thus lacking external heating (e.g., electric) at least during post-start-up conditions. An external start-up preheater for the reactor is an option. - As noted above, the
stream 24 may be directly against a surface to be decontaminated or may be directed for area decontamination (e.g., of a field, street, and the like). An alternate open air use is more of a point defense operation with thestream 24 directed against an incoming cloud of biological or chemical warfare agent or counterstream against an incoming stream of such agent. -
FIG. 2 shows another application wherein such asystem 50 is mounted in anaircraft 52 having afuselage 54. In an exemplary manned fixed-wing aircraft having amain wing 56bearing engine nacelles 58, the hydrogen peroxide andpressurant tanks conduit network 64 extends from the hydrogen peroxide tank to a number ofseparate reactors 66 mounted along the wing (either externally or internally) and dischargingstreams 68. The streams may be discharged in a generally downward direction for area decontamination (e.g., of open fields or other outdoor areas). An exemplary number of separate reactors is 2-8 with at least one on each of the port and starboard sides of the wing. Unmanned and rotary wing aircraft are alternate platforms as are less integrated systems (e.g., substantially externally mounted systems). -
FIG. 3 shows asystem 80 for decontaminating an enclosed area 82 (e.g., one or more rooms within a building 84). The system may be mounted on a self-propelled or towed wheeled or trackedvehicle 86 and may include pressurant andperoxide tanks reactor 92 similarly connected as those of thesystem 20. In the illustrated embodiment, rather than directly discharging an airborne stream, the reactor is coupled to adischarge conduit network 94 which may include several branches terminating inseveral nozzles 96 dischargingrespective streams 98. These nozzles may be configured to distribute relatively diffuse (e.g., omnidirectional) gaseous streams 98. The individual nozzles may be located in separate rooms, a common room, or may be coupled to a building HVAC system providing distribution of the hydrogen peroxide. In another variation, multiple reactors remote of the vehicle could replace the multiple nozzles in a plumbing arrangement similar to that of thesystem 50. In yet another arrangement wherein the vehicle is sufficiently small (e.g., a hand-movable cart) the vehicle may be brought into the building or room to be decontaminated. Relatively small flow rates may be appropriate for decontamination of confined internal spaces. The confinement retains the hydrogen peroxide for a duration after the flow is shut-off thereby increasing effectiveness. For example, to decontaminate the interior of a vehicle such as an armored vehicle or an ambulance, a much smaller amount is required than to decontaminate the exterior. For such an internal vehicular decontamination, a flow rate of about 0.02-0.1 kg/s for a period of about 5-10 s could substantially fill the interior space. With the vehicle sealed, the hydrogen peroxide could largely persist for a period of 5-10 minutes or longer to provide the effective decontamination. -
FIG. 4 shows thesystem 80 being used to decontaminate the engine(s) of anaircraft 100. Theconduit network 94 is positioned to discharge the hydrogen peroxide streams into one or more engine intakes (inlets) 102 forcing the hydrogen peroxide through the engine and ultimately out anengine exhaust nozzle 104. This may be performed while the engine is not running (although its spools may be fixed or rotating (e.g., induced by the hydrogen peroxide flow)). In such a system, the nozzle(s) may be mounted to a temporary cover placed over the engine intake(s) or one or more ducts may engage the intake(s) to guide the discharge flow. -
FIG. 5 shows asystem 120 aboard aship 122. Thesystem 120 may have one or more central hydrogen peroxide and pressurant tank groups feeding one or more central and/or remote reactors 124 (directly or via additional conduits) dischargingstreams 126 to decontaminate exposed surfaces of the ship. - Suitable reactors may be formed in a variety of ways. One example is the catalyst bed assembly of Watkins et al. noted above (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth at length). With such a system, the portion of the hydrogen peroxide flow to be decomposed may pass through the catalyst bed while a remaining portion passes around and cools the catalyst bed and/or a housing. Alternatively, or in combination, the catalyst bed may be relatively undersized (e.g., so as to not decompose substantially all the hydrogen peroxide passing through the catalyst bed). Exemplary catalysts include: silver (e.g., formed as a screen or screen plating); and silver-based alloys. However, any catalyst that is useful in decomposing the hydrogen peroxide could be used.
-
FIG. 6 shows details of acatalyst bed assembly 200 taken from Watkins et al. Thecatalyst bed assembly 200 includes acatalyst bed section 201 and anozzle section 203. Thenozzle section 203 secures to thecatalyst bed section 201 with suitable fasteners 205. As an example, thecatalyst bed section 201 has an inner diameter of approximately 10 cm when dimensioned for an exemplary use in a medium flow rate application such as building interior decontamination. - The
nozzle section 203 resides at the downstream, or outlet, end of thecatalyst bed 201. Thenozzle 203 receives the discharge from thecatalyst bed section 201. The nozzle accelerates the discharge from thecatalyst bed section 201 to form the exhaust stream (e.g., 24 et al.). Although shown as a convergent-divergent nozzle, other outlet structures are possible. - The
nozzle section 203 can have threadedopenings 229 for securing to any downstream component (e.g., theconduit assemblies 64 et al.). Also, thenozzle section 203 could be made from any suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. - The
catalyst bed section 201 includes a catalyst can (cannister) 221 within anouter housing 207. Theouter housing 207 can be a cylindricalpipe having flanges catalyst bed section 201 to other components (e.g., the associated vehicle, aiming actuators, or the like). However, other arrangements are possible. Theouter housing 207 could be made from any suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. - The exemplary
outer housing 207 secures to thenozzle section 203 using fasteners 205. Theflange 211 may include anannular groove 225 within which a C-shaped (in cross-section)annular metal seal 227 resides. Theseal 227 keeps the hydrogen peroxide from escaping from the joint between thecatalyst bed section 201 and thenozzle section 203. Although described as a metallic C-shaped annular seal, any suitable seal or sealing arrangement could be used. - The exemplary
outer housing 207 includes a threadedopening 213 in anupstream face 215. The opening receives a correspondingly threadedcoupling 217 to create an inlet. Thecoupling 217 secures to the supply conduit (e.g., 30 et al., shown in phantom inFIG. 6 ) supplying hydrogen peroxide to thecatalyst bed assembly 200. - The exemplary
outer housing 207 includes anopen interior 219. Theopen interior 219 has a suitable size to receive the catalyst can 221. The exemplaryouter housing 207 has an annular shoulder 231 (FIG. 7 ) in which a portion of the catalyst can 221 rests. Theouter housing 207 also may have at least one threadedopening 233 for securing the catalyst can 221 on theshoulder 231 with a suitable fastener (not shown). - A
first pressure baffle 223 resides within theopen interior 219 of theouter housing 207. Thepressure baffle 223 is preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. Thebaffle 223 has an array ofopenings 239 therethrough.Exemplary openings 239 have a diameter of approximately 1-2 mm. However, other sizes, numbers and arrangements of the apertures could be used to achieve a suitable result. Aring 235 placed in anannular groove 237 on the inner surface of theouter housing 207 retains thepressure baffle 223 within theouter housing 207. - The
baffle 223 reduces the pressure of the liquid hydrogen peroxide in the direction of flow. In other words, the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide downstream of thebaffle 223 is less than the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide upstream of the baffle. - As will be described in more detail below, in the exemplary embodiment, neither the
outer housing 207 nor thenozzle section 203 require any cooling lines to manage the heat generated in the catalyst can 221 during decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. Rather, a bypass flow of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., hydrogen peroxide that does not enter the catalyst bed) may cool theouter housing 207 and thenozzle section 203. - The catalyst can 221 is preferably made from a suitable material, such as a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. The exemplary catalyst can 221 has a cylindrical outer wall 241 (
FIG. 8 ) anddownstream end flange 243. Theflange 243 includes a plurality ofbypass apertures 245. - The interior of the exemplary catalyst can 221 has an annular groove 247 (
FIG. 6 ) adjacent the upstream end. Thegroove 247 receives ametal ring 249. The downstream end of the catalyst can 221 includes an annularinternal shoulder 251. The contents within the catalyst can 221 are retained between themetal ring 249 and theshoulder 251 and include: asecond pressure baffle 253; athird pressure baffle 255; andcatalyst material 257 forming a catalyst bed therebetween. Thesecond pressure baffle 253 is located adjacent thering 249. Thesecond pressure baffle 253 is also preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. Thesecond pressure baffle 253 has an array ofopenings 259 therethrough. Anexemplary baffle 253 has an outer diameter of approximately 7 cm and theopenings 259 have a diameter of approximately 2.4 mm. However, other sizes, numbers and arrangements of theapertures 259 could be used to achieve a suitable result. - The
ring 249 placed in theannular groove 247 retains thepressure baffle 253 in the catalyst can 221. Thebaffle 253 serves to reduce the pressure of the liquid hydrogen peroxide in the direction of flow. In other words, the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide downstream of thebaffle 253 is less than the pressure of the hydrogen peroxide upstream of the baffle. - The
third pressure baffle 255 rests against theshoulder 251. Thethird pressure baffle 255 is also preferably made from a high temperature, non-catalytic aerospace alloy. Thethird press baffle 255 has an array ofopenings 261 therethrough. Preferably, thebaffle 255 has an outer diameter of approximately 7 cm and theopenings 261 have a diameter of approximately 2 mm. However, other sizes, numbers and arrangements of theapertures 261 could be used to achieve a suitable result. - Once the
nozzle section 203 is secured to thecatalyst bed section 201 and the supply pipe of hydrogen peroxide is secured to thecoupling 217, thecatalyst bed assembly 200 is ready to decompose the hydrogen peroxide. In an exemplary implementation, the supply of hydrogen peroxide enters the catalyst can 221 from the supply pipe with a diameter of approximately 8 cm at a flow rate of approximately 2-4 kg per second and a temperature of approximately 25° C. Thecatalyst material 257 decomposes the liquid hydrogen peroxide into water vapor, oxygen and heat. Other temperatures, flow rates and supply pipe sizes could be used to achieve a desired exhaust stream. Within the catalyst can 221, a 98% hydrogen peroxide would decompose into water vapor and oxygen at approximately 6.9 MPa (1000 psi) and 945° C. (2192° R). - In order to withstand such high temperatures without using complex and heavy cooling schemes, the
catalyst bed assembly 200 is designed so that a portion of the supply of hydrogen peroxide bypasses the catalyst can 221. An annular gap/passageway 263 (FIG. 8 ) exists between theouter housing 207 and the catalyst can 221. The bypass liquid hydrogen peroxide fills and flows downstream through theannular gap 263 and serves to cool the catalyst can 221. The liquid hydrogen peroxide in theannular gap 263 also limits heat build-up in theouter housing 207. The exemplaryannular gap 263 terminates at thedownstream flange 243 of the catalyst can 221. However, the bypass hydrogen peroxide, upon reaching theflange 243, passes through theapertures 245 in theflange 243. The amount of bypass could be controlled by the size of theannular gaps apertures 245. - Because the
nozzle section 203 is likewise exposed to the heat created by the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide in the catalyst can 221, heat build-up in thenozzle section 203 should also be controlled. Similar to theannular gap 263, a gap 265 (FIG. 8 ) exists between thenozzle section 203 and the catalyst can 221 at the downstream end of the catalyst can 221. Preferably, the liquid hydrogen peroxide provides film cooling along the interior surface of thenozzle section 203 while traveling through thenozzle section 203. -
FIG. 9 shows acatalyst bed assembly 300 wherein, relative to theassembly 200, anintermediate mixing section 302 intervenes between thecatalyst bed section 201 and thenozzle section 203 as disclosed in Watkins. Themixing section 302 includes concentric inner andouter housing sections passageway 308 therebetween. Thepassageway 308 forms a continuation of the coolingpassageway 263. The exemplary mixing section facilitates the introduction of supplemental hydrogen peroxide flows 312A and 312B to mix with theflow 314 exiting the catalyst bed to dilute/cool that flow to form adiluted flow 316 which finally mixes with the cooling flow to form thedischarge flow 318. The exemplary flows 312A and 3123 are expelled fromapertures 320 inrespective spray bars branches branch 324C feeding the catalyst bed. Flow through each of the branches may be controlled via an associated valve (not shown) actuated by the control system (not shown). Flow rates through the various branches may, in view of any start-up or cool-down considerations, control the total flow rate and the discharge composition and temperature. - The introduction of the
flows flows flow 314. To achieve a desired hydrogen peroxide concentration in thedischarge flow 318, the supplemental/bypass flows 312A and 312B, in combination, would represent a greater mass flow than the hydrogen peroxide in thedischarge stream 318. For example, in one implementation, approximately 95% of thethird branch 324C hydrogen peroxide flow enters the catalyst can as a first flow for decomposition by the catalyst material. The remaining 5% of the hydrogen peroxide bypasses and may cool the catalyst bed assembly and mixing section. Substantially all the first flow may be decomposed. The combined mass flow rates through thebranches branch 324C, more narrowly 2-3 times. About half or more of the hydrogen peroxide flowing through thebranches catalyst output flow 314. Overall bypass to through-catalyst flow rates could be similar. - In operation, the hydrogen peroxide and pressurant tanks may need to be frequently refilled (e.g., after each mission for an airborne system, or a given number of uses for other systems). The catalyst can may need replenishment or replacement less frequently, if at all.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various catalytic technologies may be adopted. Additionally, various system parameters may be tailored to particular applications. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (33)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/952,899 US7145052B1 (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2004-09-28 | Decontamination apparatus and methods |
JP2005261478A JP2006095294A (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2005-09-09 | Decontaminating method and apparatus thereof |
EP05255579A EP1655041A1 (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2005-09-12 | Decontamination apparatus and method |
RU2005130072/15A RU2005130072A (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2005-09-28 | METHOD AND DEVICE OF DEACTIVATION |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/952,899 US7145052B1 (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2004-09-28 | Decontamination apparatus and methods |
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US20060270887A1 true US20060270887A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
US7145052B1 US7145052B1 (en) | 2006-12-05 |
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US10/952,899 Expired - Fee Related US7145052B1 (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2004-09-28 | Decontamination apparatus and methods |
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EP (1) | EP1655041A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006095294A (en) |
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Cited By (4)
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US20080247926A1 (en) * | 2007-04-05 | 2008-10-09 | James Osterloh | Catalytic peroxide oxygen generator-concentrator |
US20080279721A1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2008-11-13 | Weiss Richard A | Decontamination unit and process |
US20100010285A1 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2010-01-14 | Lumimove, Inc., D/B/A Crosslink | Decontamination system |
WO2013043409A1 (en) * | 2011-09-23 | 2013-03-28 | American Sterilizer Company | Hydrogen peroxide vaporizer with heated diffuser |
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US7780909B2 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2010-08-24 | Zimek Technologies Ip, Llc | Ultrasonic sanitation and disinfecting methods |
US8062588B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2011-11-22 | Zimek Technologies Ip, Llc | Ultrasonic sanitation device and associated methods |
US7959859B2 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2011-06-14 | Sparks David W | Ultrasonic sanitation device and associated methods |
JP4738271B2 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2011-08-03 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Mobile decontamination equipment |
GB0710331D0 (en) | 2007-05-30 | 2007-07-11 | Bioquell Uk Ltd | Improved in or relating to methods of decontaminating enclosed spaces |
US20100179368A1 (en) * | 2008-11-07 | 2010-07-15 | Aries Associates, Inc. | Novel Chemistries, Solutions, and Dispersal Systems for Decontamination of Chemical and Biological Systems |
US20100119412A1 (en) * | 2008-11-07 | 2010-05-13 | Aries Associates, Inc. | Novel Chemistries, Solutions, and Dispersal Systems for Decontamination of Chemical and Biological Systems |
US11911754B1 (en) * | 2023-01-10 | 2024-02-27 | Venus Aerospace Corp | 3D-printed catalyst bed |
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Also Published As
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EP1655041A1 (en) | 2006-05-10 |
JP2006095294A (en) | 2006-04-13 |
US7145052B1 (en) | 2006-12-05 |
RU2005130072A (en) | 2007-04-10 |
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