US20120275967A1 - Isolator - Google Patents
Isolator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120275967A1 US20120275967A1 US13/456,588 US201213456588A US2012275967A1 US 20120275967 A1 US20120275967 A1 US 20120275967A1 US 201213456588 A US201213456588 A US 201213456588A US 2012275967 A1 US2012275967 A1 US 2012275967A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flow path
- chamber
- decontaminated
- gas
- blower
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
- C12M37/00—Means for sterilizing, maintaining sterile conditions or avoiding chemical or biological contamination
-
- 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
- A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
- A61L2202/122—Chambers for sterilisation
-
- 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
- A61L2202/13—Biocide decomposition means, e.g. catalysts, sorbents
-
- 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
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/14—Filtering means
-
- 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
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/16—Connections to a HVAC unit
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an isolator.
- an isolator used for work of handling a living-organism-derived material, such as cell culture
- a dust-free/aseptic environment to the highest degree possible (hereinafter, referred to aseptic environment) inside a working chamber or a pass box for bringing equipment necessary for the work and the like, in order to prevent intrusion of substances other than those necessary for the work.
- aseptic environment a dust-free/aseptic environment
- a process of killing microorganisms, etc., to realize an aseptic environment is referred to as decontamination, and it is assumed that such a decontamination process includes processes of so-called sterilization, decolonization, and disinfection.
- decontaminating gas such as the hydrogen peroxide gas containing decontamination material is produced and supplied into a chamber to be decontaminated, such as a working chamber or a pass box, thereby being able to perform a decontamination process.
- Each of an inlet and an outlet of the working chamber or the pass box in the isolator are provided with an air filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and a ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter, in order to remove impurities, such as dust, contained in gas to be taken in and discharged.
- an air filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and a ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter
- the air filter may have a property of having the decontaminating gas adsorbed thereon easily.
- the decontaminating gas is supplied from the inlet of the working chamber or the pass box, the decontaminating gas is adsorbed by the air filter, which leads to necessity for supplying more than a necessary amount of the decontaminating gas in expectation of an amount thereof to be absorbed, when decontaminating the working chamber or the pass box, resulting in inefficiency.
- the decontaminating gas is supplied to the working chamber or the pass box without an air filter, it is not possible to sufficiently decontaminate the air filter (intake filter) of the inlet.
- An isolator includes: a chamber to be decontaminated including an inlet provided with an intake filter and an outlet provided with a discharge filter; a first flow path through which outside air is taken into the chamber to be decontaminated via the intake filter; a second flow path through which gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is discharged via the discharge filter; a first blower configured to take in the outside air to the chamber to be decontaminated through the first flow path, as well as produce an air current to discharge the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the second flow path; a decontaminating gas supply unit configured to supply decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated without flowing through the intake filter and the discharge filter; a third flow path configured to connect the intake filter and the discharge filter at an exterior of the chamber to be decontaminated; and a second blower configured to produce an air current to circulate the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, when the decontaminating gas is supplied to the chamber to be decontaminated.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a leak test mode;
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating control of a valve V 4 in a decontaminating gas production mode and a decontaminating gas exposure mode
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas exposure mode
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas discharge mode and an aseptic operation mode;
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of an isolator.
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating state of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode in an isolator illustrated in FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of an isolator
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a state of a valve, a blower, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode in an isolator illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- decontamination effect is achieved by performing the exposure of space to be decontaminated to hydrogen peroxide gas of a predetermined concentration for a predetermined time period, using hydrogen peroxide as an example of a decontamination material which is used in a decontamination process.
- a working chamber 4 for working in an aseptic environment is the chamber to be decontaminated, and the isolator includes a control unit 1 a , an operating unit 2 a , and a decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a .
- the working chamber 4 includes an inlet provided with an (intake) filter F 1 and an outlet provided with a (discharge) filter F 2 , and the inlet and outlet are provided with flow paths P 1 to P 4 that are made of pipes, tubes, or the like.
- the working chamber 4 includes a pressure sensor 41 configured to measure an internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 .
- the filters F 1 and F 2 are air filters to remove impurities, such as dust, contained in gas to be taken in and discharged, and a HEPA filter is used, for example.
- a (first) flow path P 1 is a flow path for taking in outside air to the working chamber 4 through the filter F 1 , and a catalyst C 1 , a blower (fan) B 1 , and a (first) valve V 1 are provided on the flow path P 1 .
- the blower B 1 is a centrifugal multi-blade fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to take in the outside air to the working chamber 4 through the flow path P 1 in response to a control signal Sb 1 . Such an air current causes the outside air to flow in through the catalyst C 1 , to be further supplied into the working chamber 4 through the filter F 1 .
- the valve V 1 is provided between the blower B 1 and the filter F 1 , and is configured to open/close the flow path P 1 in response to a control signal Sv 1 .
- a (second) flow path P 2 is a flow path for discharging gas in the working chamber 4 through the filter F 2 , and a blower B 2 , a catalyst C 2 , and a (second) valve V 2 are provided on the flow path P 2 .
- the blower B 2 is a centrifugal multi-blade fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to discharge the gas in the working chamber 4 through the flow path P 2 in response to a control signal Sb 2 .
- Such an air current causes the gas in the working chamber 4 to flow out through the filter F 2 , and the hydrogen peroxide (decontamination material), upon being decomposed/rendered harmless by the catalyst C 2 , to be discharged to the exterior.
- the blowers B 1 and B 2 combined correspond to a first blower for intake/discharge
- the catalyst C 2 corresponds to a rendering harmless unit configured to reduce a decontamination material to be rendered harmless.
- the valve V 2 is provided between the catalyst C 2 and the filter F 2 , and is configured to open/close the flow path P 2 in response to a control signal Sv 2 .
- a (third) flow path P 3 connects the filter F 1 and the filter F 2 at the exterior of the working chamber 4 , and a (second) blower B 3 and a (third) valve V 3 are provided on the flow path P 3 .
- the blower B 3 is an axial-flow fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to circulate the gas in the working chamber 4 through the filters F 1 , F 2 , and the flow path P 3 in response to a control signal Sb 3 in a decontaminating gas production mode and a decontaminating gas exposure mode which will be described later.
- Such an air current causes the gas in the working chamber 4 to flow out through either one of the filters F 1 and F 2 , and further through the flow path P 3 , then to be resupplied into the working chamber 4 through the other filter thereof.
- the valve V 3 is configured to open/close the flow path P 3 in response to a control signal Sv 3 .
- a (fourth) flow path P 4 is another flow path, different from the flow path P 2 , for discharging the gas in the working chamber 4 through the filter F 2 in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, which will be described later, and generally the flow rate of the gas therein is smaller than that in each of the flow paths P 1 and P 2 .
- One end of the flow path P 4 is connected to the flow path P 2 between the catalyst C 2 and the valve V 2 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F 2 , and a (fourth) valve V 4 is provided on the flow path P 4 .
- the valve V 4 is configured to open/close the flow path P 4 in response to a control signal Sv 4 .
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a includes a tank 31 , a bottle 32 , a water level sensor 33 , an atomizer 34 , and a filter F 32 , and further includes flow paths P 31 to P 33 , made of pipes, tubes, or the like, which are provided to connect the above components.
- a flow path P 31 connects between the tank 31 and the bottle 32 , and a pump Pm and a filter F 31 are provided on the flow path P 31 .
- a peristaltic pump is used as the pump Pm so as to deliver fluid in a state dust-free and aseptic as possible, and hydrogen peroxide solution (decontamination material solution) stored in the tank 31 is taken in, in response to a control signal Spm. Then, the hydrogen peroxide solution taken in as such is delivered toward the atomizer 34 side through the filter F 31 for removing impurities, such as dust.
- the bottle 32 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F 32 , and acts as a buffer for collecting the hydrogen peroxide solution that has not been injected as hydrogen peroxide gas (decontaminating gas) from the nozzle of the atomizer 34 .
- the bottle 32 is provided with a water level sensor 33 configured to measure water level WL 1 of the collected hydrogen peroxide solution.
- One end of the flow path P 32 is connected between the filter F 31 and the bottle 32 in the flow path P 31 while the other end thereof is connected to a lower port of the atomizer 34 , and a valve V 31 is provided on the flow path P 32 .
- the valve V 31 is configured to open/close the flow path P 32 in response to a control signal Sv 31 .
- a flow path P 33 is a flow path for supplying compressed air (compressed gas) to the atomizer 34 , and a compressor Cm, a filter F 33 , and a valve V 32 are provided on the flow path P 33 .
- the compressor Cm is configured to take in the outside air and compress it in response to a control signal Scm, and such compressed air is supplied to an upper port of the atomizer 34 through the (air) filter F 33 for removing impurities, such as dust and moisture content.
- the valve V 32 is provided between the filter F 33 and the upper port of the atomizer 34 and is configured to open/close the flow path P 33 in response to a control signal Sv 32 .
- a mode selection signal SLm is inputted to the control unit 1 a from the operating unit 2 a , and the control unit 1 a is configured to switch the operation mode, which will be described later, in response to the mode selection signal SLm. Further, control unit 1 a is configured to output, in addition to switching the operation mode, the control signals Sv 1 to Sv 4 , Sv 31 , Sv 32 , Sb 1 to Sb 3 , Scm, and Spm for controlling the valves, blowers, the compressor Cm, and the pump Pm based on the internal pressure IP 1 and the water level WL 1 .
- the control unit 1 a is configured to drive the compressor Cm as well as open the valve V 32 and further open the valve V 3 in a state where the blowers B 1 to B 3 and the pump Pm are stopped with the valves V 1 , V 2 , V 4 , and V 31 closed. Then, by such control, the atomizer 34 of the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a supplies, from a nozzle thereof, only the compressed air supplied to the upper port thereof into the working chamber 4 , thereby pressurizing the working chamber 4 .
- the control unit 1 a determines the airtightness of the working chamber 4 based on the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 measured by the pressure sensor 41 . For example, the control unit 1 a determines that the airtightness of the working chamber 4 is in a good condition, when an amount of decrease in the internal pressure IP 1 after elapse of a predetermined time equals a pressure that is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure.
- the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 4 in the decontaminating gas production mode.
- the decontaminating gas production mode is commenced, when the control unit 1 a drives the pump Pm and opens the valve V 31 , drives the blower B 3 and opens the valve V 3 , in the state of the leak test mode, and further, controls opening/closing of the valve V 4 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the compressed air is supplied to the upper port of the atomizer 34 , as in the leak test mode.
- Negative pressure is produced by injecting the compressed air from the nozzle of the atomizer 34 , and such negative pressure causes the hydrogen peroxide solution, delivered by the pump Pm from the tank 31 toward the atomizer 34 , to be supplied to the lower port of the atomizer 34 .
- the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide solution are mixed in the atomizer 34 , to be injected as atomized hydrogen peroxide solution, thereafter immediately vaporized, and supplied as the hydrogen peroxide gas.
- the hydrogen peroxide gas is directly supplied into the working chamber 4 without flowing through the filters F 1 and F 2 , in the decontaminating gas production mode.
- the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 4 without loss by absorption into the filters F 1 and F 2 , thereby being able to perform a process of decontaminating the inside of the working chamber 4 in an efficient manner.
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a can produce hydrogen peroxide gas utilizing the negative pressure produced by injection of compressed air, without heating or using ultrasonic waves. If some kind of failure should stop the supply of the compressed air to the atomizer 34 , the hydrogen peroxide solution delivered by the pump Pm is collected in the bottle 32 utilizing the difference in flow-path resistance caused by the difference in flow-path diameter, avoiding supply into the working chamber 4 in a liquid state. Then, the control unit 1 a stops the pump Pm to stop delivering the hydrogen peroxide solution when the water level WL 1 of the hydrogen peroxide solution measured by the water level sensor 33 reaches a water level that is equal to or greater than a predetermined level.
- control unit 1 a also circulates the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 by the blower B 3 from the filter F 2 through the flow path P 3 toward the filter F 1 , for example.
- the direction of the air current to circulate the hydrogen peroxide gas may be the direction opposite the above described direction, and also may be reversed alternately.
- control unit 1 a controls opening/closing of the valve V 4 based on the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 . For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , when the internal pressure IP 1 exceeds a predetermined positive pressure IPtg, the valve V 4 is opened; whereas when the internal pressure IP 1 equals or falls below the predetermined positive pressure IPtg, the valve V 4 is closed.
- the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is circulated through the filters F 1 , F 2 , and the flow path P 3 , while the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 is adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg.
- the filter F 2 which is the discharge filter
- the filter F 1 which is the intake filter.
- the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working chamber 4 in the decontaminating gas production mode, and thereafter, the exposure of the interior of the working chamber to the hydrogen peroxide gas is performed in the decontaminating gas exposure mode.
- the control unit 1 a stops the pump Pm as well as closes the valve V 31 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a supplies, from the nozzle, only the compressed air into the working chamber 4 as in the leak test mode, and further, the control unit 1 a circulates the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 as well as controls opening/closing of the valve V 4 based on the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 as in the decontaminating gas production mode.
- the permissible flow rate through the valve V 4 is lower than that through each of the valves V 1 and V 2 , which leads the valve V 4 to have greater responsiveness, thereby being able to accurately control the internal pressure IP 1 with the control unit 1 a.
- the interior of the working chamber 4 is exposed to the hydrogen peroxide gas, which is supplied in the decontaminating gas production mode. Further, in the decontaminating gas exposure mode as well, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is circulated through the filters F 1 and F 2 , and the flow path P 3 , while the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 is adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg.
- the interior of the working chamber 4 and the filters F 1 and F 2 can be sufficiently decontaminated while suppressing the consumption of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the tank 31 .
- the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is discharged in the decontaminating gas discharge mode.
- the control unit 1 a drives the blowers B 1 and B 2 as well as opens the valves V 1 and V 2 ; stops the blowers B 3 as well as closes the valve V 3 ; and stops the compressor Cm as well as closes the valve V 32 , and further closes the valve V 4 , as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 a stops supplying the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide gas into the working chamber 4 .
- the control unit 1 a controls the number of revolutions of the blowers B 1 and B 2 based on the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 , and adjusts the internal pressure IP 1 of the working chamber 4 to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg, as in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode.
- the outside air is taken into the working chamber 4 through the flow path P 1 , and the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is discharged through the flow path P 2 . Then, through continuous operation of such for predetermined time period, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is replaced by outside fresh air.
- the filter F 2 is decontaminated in the decontaminating gas discharge mode as well. Further, after the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working chamber 4 is sufficiently discharged in the decontaminating gas discharge mode, the mode proceeds to the aseptic operation mode, and control therein is similar to that in the decontaminating gas discharge mode.
- a pass box 5 for bringing equipment necessary for the work into the working chamber 4 through a door 52 may be the chamber to be decontaminated, in addition to the working chamber 4 .
- the components for decontaminating the working chamber 4 are similar to those in the isolator according to an embodiment described above, and thus are omitted in FIG. 7 except for the atomizer 34 and the like. Description of the components for decontaminating the working chamber 4 , which are common to those in an embodiment described above, will hereinafter be omitted.
- the isolator illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a control unit 1 b , an operating unit 2 b , and a decontaminating gas supply unit 3 b.
- the pass box 5 includes an inlet provided with an (intake) filter F 3 and an outlet provided with a (discharge) filter F 4 , and the inlet and outlet are provided with flow paths P 5 to P 8 . Further, the pass box 5 includes therein a pressure sensor 51 configured to measure the internal pressure IP 2 of the pass box 5 .
- a (first) flow path P 5 is a flow path for taking in the outside air to the pass box 5 through the filter F 3 , and a catalyst C 3 , a (first)valve V 5 , and a blower B 4 are provided on the flow path P 5 .
- a (second) flow path P 6 is a flow path for discharging gas in the pass box 5 through the filter F 4 , and a catalyst C 4 and a (second)valve V 6 are provided on a flow path P 6 .
- the blower B 4 is an axial-flow fan, for example, and is configured to produce air currents to take in the outside air to the pass box 5 through the flow path P 5 as well as discharge the gas in the pass box 5 through the flow path P 6 , in response to a control signal Sb 4 . Since the capacity of the pass box 5 is smaller than that of the working chamber 4 , such intake and discharge are performed by the a single blower B 4 .
- the outside air flows in through the catalyst C 3 , and is further supplied into the pass box 5 through the filter F 3 , while the gas in the pass box 5 flows out through the filter F 4 , and furthermore the hydrogen peroxide is decomposed/rendered harmless by the catalyst C 4 , to be discharged to the exterior.
- the valve V 5 is provided between the catalyst C 3 and the blower B 4 , and is configured to open/close the flow path P 5 in response to a control signal Sv 5 ; while the valve V 6 is provided between the catalyst C 4 and the filter F 4 , and is configured to open/close the flow path P 6 in response to a control signal Sv 6 .
- One end of a flow path P 7 is connected to a connection point x between the valve V 5 and the blower B 4 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F 4 , and a (third) valve V 7 is provided on the flow path P 7 .
- the valve V 7 is configured to open/close the flow path P 7 in response to a control signal Sv 7 .
- a flow path between the connection point x and the filter F 3 in the first flow path P 5 , in combination with the flow path P 7 corresponds to the third flow path.
- the blower B 4 which is provided on a flow path (flow path between the connection point x and the filter F 3 ) common to the third flow path and the first flow path P 5 , serves both as the first blower for intake/discharge and the second blower for circulation.
- the blower B 4 functions as the second blower in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, and functions as the first blower in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode.
- a (fourth) flow path P 8 is another flow path, different from the flow path P 6 , for discharging the gas in the pass box 5 through the filter F 4 in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode.
- One end of the flow path P 8 is connected to the flow path P 6 between the catalyst C 4 and the valve V 6 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F 4 , and a (fourth) valve V 8 is provided on the flow path P 8 .
- the valve V 8 is configured to open/close the flow path P 8 in response to a control signal Sv 8 .
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 b includes the tank 31 , the bottles 32 and 35 , the water level sensors 33 and 36 , the atomizers 34 and 37 , and the filters F 32 and F 34 , and further includes the flow paths P 31 to P 33 and flow paths P 34 to P 36 provided so as to connect the aforementioned components.
- the flow path P 31 connects between the tank 31 and the bottles 32 and 35 ; and the pump Pm, the filter F 31 , and a valve V 35 are provided on the flow path P 31 .
- the pump Pm is configured to take in the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the tank 31 and deliver it toward the atomizers 34 and 37 through the filter F 31 , in response to the control signal Spm.
- the valve V 35 allows the hydrogen peroxide solution filtered by the filter F 31 to pass therethrough toward the atomizer 34 or the atomizer 37 in response to a control signal Sv 35 .
- the bottle 32 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F 32 , and the bottle 32 is provided with the water level sensor 33 configured to measure the water level WL 1 of the hydrogen peroxide solution.
- the bottle 35 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F 34 , and the bottle 35 is provided with the water level sensor 36 configured to measure a water level WL 2 of the hydrogen peroxide solution.
- One end of the flow path P 32 is connected to the flow path P 31 between the valve V 35 and the bottle 32 while the other end thereof is connected to the lower port of the atomizer 34 , and the valve V 31 is provided on the flow path P 32 .
- one end of a flow path P 34 is connected to the flow path P 31 between the valve V 35 and the bottle 35 while the other end thereof is connected to a lower port of the atomizer 37 , and a valve V 33 is provided on the flow path P 34 .
- the valve V 31 is configured to open/close the flow path P 32 in response to the control signal Sv 31
- the valve V 33 is configured to open/close the flow path P 34 in response to a control signal Sv 33 .
- the flow path P 33 is a flow path for supplying compressed air to the atomizer 34 or 37 , and is bifurcated into the flow path P 35 connected to the atomizer 34 and a flow path P 36 connected to the atomizer 37 .
- the compressor Cm and the filter F 33 are provided on the flow path P 33
- the valves V 32 and V 34 are provided on the flow paths P 35 and P 36 , respectively.
- the compressor Cm is configured to take in the outside air to be compressed in response to the control signal Scm, and such compressed air is supplied to the upper port of the atomizer 34 or the atomizer 37 through the (air) filter F 33 .
- the valve V 32 is provided between the filter F 33 and the upper port of the atomizer 34 and is configured to open/close the flow path P 35 in response to the control signal Sv 32
- the valve V 34 is provided between the filter F 33 and the upper port of the atomizer 37 and is configured to open/close the flow path P 36 in response to a control signal Sv 34 .
- a decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr and the mode selection signal SLm are inputted to the control unit 1 b .
- the control unit 1 b is configured to select the working chamber 4 or the pass box 5 as the chamber to be decontaminated in response to the decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr, and switch an operation mode in response to the mode selection signal SLm.
- control unit 1 b is configured to output, in addition to selecting the chamber to be decontaminated and switching the operation mode, the control signals Sv 1 to Sv 6 , Sv 31 to Sv 35 , Sb 1 to Sb 3 , Scm, and Spm based on the internal pressures IP 1 and IP 2 and the water levels WL 1 and WL 2 .
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 b is configured to supply the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide gas into the chamber to be decontaminated selected in response to the decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr.
- the operation mode is switched in response to the mode selection signal SLm, and the control is performed as in the isolator according to an embodiment described above.
- the decontaminating gas supply unit 3 b has the compressed air supplied to the upper port of the atomizer 37 and the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the lower port thereof by the negative pressure, to directly supply the hydrogen peroxide gas into the pass box 5 .
- control unit 1 b is configured to control opening/closing of the valve V 8 based on the internal pressure IP 2 of the pass box 5 , so as to circulate the hydrogen peroxide gas in the pass box 5 by the blower B 4 through the filters F 3 and F 4 , and the third flow path while the internal pressure IP 2 of the pass box 5 is being adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg.
- the third flow path and the flow path P 5 includes a common flow path
- the blower B 4 is provided on the common flow path, however, it is not limited thereto.
- a configuration may be such that the third flow path and the second flow path P 6 includes a common flow path (flow path between a connection point Y and the filter F 4 ), and the blower B 4 , which is provided on the common flow path, serves both as the first blower for intake/discharge and the second blower for circulation.
- the isolator with such a configuration also is controlled by a control signal similar to that in the isolator illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the hydrogen peroxide gas, which is the decontaminating gas, is directly supplied into the working chamber 4 (pass box 5 ), which is the chamber to be decontaminated, without flowing through the filter F 1 (F 3 ), being the intake filter, and the filter F 2 (F 4 ), being the discharge filter, and the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path P 3 (P 7 and common flow path) connecting the intake and discharge filters at the exterior of the chamber to be decontaminated, thereby supplying a sufficient amount of decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated, and further, sufficiently decontaminating not only the discharge filter but also the intake filter.
- the efficiency of the process of decontaminating the interior of the chamber to be decontaminated and the intake filter can be improved.
- the second blower B 3 (B 4 ) is driven as well as the third flow path, which is opened/closed by the third valve V 3 (V 7 ), is opened, in a state where the first flow path P 1 (P 5 ) for performing intake and the second flow path P 2 (P 6 ) for performing discharge by the first blowers B 1 and B 2 (B 4 ) are closed, thereby circulating the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, so that the intake filter can sufficiently be decontaminated.
- the catalyst C 2 (C 4 ) for decomposing the decontamination material is provided on the side more distant (away) from the discharge filter as compared with the second valve V 2 (V 6 ) configured to open/close the second flow path, one end of the fourth flow path P 4 (P 8 ) connected between the catalyst and the second valve, the other end thereof connected to the discharge filter, and opening/closing of the fourth valve V 4 (V 8 ), which is configured to control open/close the fourth flow path, is controlled based on the internal pressure IP 1 (IP 2 ) of the chamber to be decontaminated that is measured by the pressure sensor 41 ( 51 ) in the decontaminating gas production mode, thereby being able to circulate the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, while the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated is being adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg .
- the decontamination material contained in the decontaminating gas which is discharged not only in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode but also the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, is decomposed and rendered harmless, then to be discharged to the exterior.
- the decontaminating gas is produced by mixing the compressed gas and the decontamination material, to be supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated; and thereafter, in the decontaminating gas exposure mode, while only the compressed gas is being supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated, the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated as well as opening/closing of the fourth valve is controlled; thereby being able to sufficiently decontaminate the interior of the chamber to be decontaminated and the intake filter while suppressing the consumption of the decontamination material, as in the contamination gas production mode.
- the compressed gas is supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated in a state where the first, second, and fourth valves are closed and the third valve opened, thereby being able to test the airtightness of the chamber to be decontaminated and the third flow path based on the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated.
- the third flow path includes the flow path common to the first or the second flow path, and the second blower for circulation is provided on the flow path common thereto, so that the second blower serves also as the first blower for intake and discharge, that is to say, the second blower can be used as the second blower in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, while used as the first blower in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
Abstract
An isolator includes: a chamber to be decontaminated including an inlet and an outlet provided with intake and discharge filters, respectively; first and second flow paths through which outside air is taken into the chamber and gas in the chamber is discharged via the intake and discharge filters, respectively; a first blower to take in the outside air to the chamber through the first flow path, and produce an air current to discharge the gas through the second flow path; a decontaminating-gas-supply unit to supply decontaminating gas into the chamber without flowing through the intake and discharge filters; a third flow path to connect the intake and discharge filters at an exterior of the chamber; and a second blower to produce an air current to circulate the gas through the intake and discharge filters and third flow path, when the decontaminating gas is supplied to the chamber.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-102048, filed Apr. 28, 2011, of which full contents are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an isolator.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In an isolator used for work of handling a living-organism-derived material, such as cell culture, it is necessary to provide a dust-free/aseptic environment to the highest degree possible (hereinafter, referred to as aseptic environment) inside a working chamber or a pass box for bringing equipment necessary for the work and the like, in order to prevent intrusion of substances other than those necessary for the work. Hereinafter, a process of killing microorganisms, etc., to realize an aseptic environment is referred to as decontamination, and it is assumed that such a decontamination process includes processes of so-called sterilization, decolonization, and disinfection.
- In a sterilizing liquid vaporizing device disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-339829, for example, heated compressed air and hydrogen peroxide solution are mixed and atomized by an atomizer, using hydrogen peroxide as decontamination material which is used for decontamination process, thereby producing hydrogen peroxide gas.
- As such, decontaminating gas such as the hydrogen peroxide gas containing decontamination material is produced and supplied into a chamber to be decontaminated, such as a working chamber or a pass box, thereby being able to perform a decontamination process.
- Each of an inlet and an outlet of the working chamber or the pass box in the isolator are provided with an air filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and a ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter, in order to remove impurities, such as dust, contained in gas to be taken in and discharged. However, depending on the combination of the decontaminating gas and the air filter to be used, as in a case where the hydrogen peroxide gas is used as the decontaminating gas and the HEPA filter is used as the air filter, for example, the air filter may have a property of having the decontaminating gas adsorbed thereon easily.
- Thus, if the decontaminating gas is supplied from the inlet of the working chamber or the pass box, the decontaminating gas is adsorbed by the air filter, which leads to necessity for supplying more than a necessary amount of the decontaminating gas in expectation of an amount thereof to be absorbed, when decontaminating the working chamber or the pass box, resulting in inefficiency. On the other hand, if the decontaminating gas is supplied to the working chamber or the pass box without an air filter, it is not possible to sufficiently decontaminate the air filter (intake filter) of the inlet.
- An isolator according to an aspect of the present invention, includes: a chamber to be decontaminated including an inlet provided with an intake filter and an outlet provided with a discharge filter; a first flow path through which outside air is taken into the chamber to be decontaminated via the intake filter; a second flow path through which gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is discharged via the discharge filter; a first blower configured to take in the outside air to the chamber to be decontaminated through the first flow path, as well as produce an air current to discharge the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the second flow path; a decontaminating gas supply unit configured to supply decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated without flowing through the intake filter and the discharge filter; a third flow path configured to connect the intake filter and the discharge filter at an exterior of the chamber to be decontaminated; and a second blower configured to produce an air current to circulate the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, when the decontaminating gas is supplied to the chamber to be decontaminated.
- For more thorough understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, the following description should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a leak test mode; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode; -
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating control of a valve V4 in a decontaminating gas production mode and a decontaminating gas exposure mode; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas exposure mode; -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating states of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas discharge mode and an aseptic operation mode; -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of an isolator; and -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating state of valves, blowers, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode in an isolator illustrated inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of an isolator; -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a state of a valve, a blower, a compressor Cm, and a pump Pm in a decontaminating gas production mode in an isolator illustrated inFIG. 9 . - At least the following details will become apparent from descriptions of this specification and of the accompanying drawings.
- Description will hereinafter be given of a configuration of an isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to
FIG. 1 . In an embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that decontamination effect is achieved by performing the exposure of space to be decontaminated to hydrogen peroxide gas of a predetermined concentration for a predetermined time period, using hydrogen peroxide as an example of a decontamination material which is used in a decontamination process. - In the isolator illustrated in
FIG. 1 , it is assumed that a workingchamber 4 for working in an aseptic environment is the chamber to be decontaminated, and the isolator includes acontrol unit 1 a, anoperating unit 2 a, and a decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 a. Further, theworking chamber 4 includes an inlet provided with an (intake) filter F1 and an outlet provided with a (discharge) filter F2, and the inlet and outlet are provided with flow paths P1 to P4 that are made of pipes, tubes, or the like. Further, theworking chamber 4 includes apressure sensor 41 configured to measure an internal pressure IP1 of theworking chamber 4. The filters F1 and F2 are air filters to remove impurities, such as dust, contained in gas to be taken in and discharged, and a HEPA filter is used, for example. - A (first) flow path P1 is a flow path for taking in outside air to the
working chamber 4 through the filter F1, and a catalyst C1, a blower (fan) B1, and a (first) valve V1 are provided on the flow path P1. The blower B1 is a centrifugal multi-blade fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to take in the outside air to the workingchamber 4 through the flow path P1 in response to a control signal Sb1. Such an air current causes the outside air to flow in through the catalyst C1, to be further supplied into theworking chamber 4 through the filter F1. The valve V1 is provided between the blower B1 and the filter F1, and is configured to open/close the flow path P1 in response to a control signal Sv1. - A (second) flow path P2 is a flow path for discharging gas in the
working chamber 4 through the filter F2, and a blower B2, a catalyst C2, and a (second) valve V2 are provided on the flow path P2. The blower B2 is a centrifugal multi-blade fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to discharge the gas in theworking chamber 4 through the flow path P2 in response to a control signal Sb2. Such an air current causes the gas in theworking chamber 4 to flow out through the filter F2, and the hydrogen peroxide (decontamination material), upon being decomposed/rendered harmless by the catalyst C2, to be discharged to the exterior. In an embodiment of the present invention, the blowers B1 and B2 combined correspond to a first blower for intake/discharge, and the catalyst C2 corresponds to a rendering harmless unit configured to reduce a decontamination material to be rendered harmless. The valve V2 is provided between the catalyst C2 and the filter F2, and is configured to open/close the flow path P2 in response to a control signal Sv2. - A (third) flow path P3 connects the filter F1 and the filter F2 at the exterior of the
working chamber 4, and a (second) blower B3 and a (third) valve V3 are provided on the flow path P3. The blower B3 is an axial-flow fan, for example, and is configured to produce an air current to circulate the gas in the workingchamber 4 through the filters F1, F2, and the flow path P3 in response to a control signal Sb3 in a decontaminating gas production mode and a decontaminating gas exposure mode which will be described later. Such an air current causes the gas in theworking chamber 4 to flow out through either one of the filters F1 and F2, and further through the flow path P3, then to be resupplied into theworking chamber 4 through the other filter thereof. The valve V3 is configured to open/close the flow path P3 in response to a control signal Sv3. - A (fourth) flow path P4 is another flow path, different from the flow path P2, for discharging the gas in the working
chamber 4 through the filter F2 in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, which will be described later, and generally the flow rate of the gas therein is smaller than that in each of the flow paths P1 and P2. One end of the flow path P4 is connected to the flow path P2 between the catalyst C2 and the valve V2 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F2, and a (fourth) valve V4 is provided on the flow path P4. The valve V4 is configured to open/close the flow path P4 in response to a control signal Sv4. - The decontaminating
gas supply unit 3 a includes atank 31, abottle 32, awater level sensor 33, anatomizer 34, and a filter F32, and further includes flow paths P31 to P33, made of pipes, tubes, or the like, which are provided to connect the above components. - A flow path P31 connects between the
tank 31 and thebottle 32, and a pump Pm and a filter F31 are provided on the flow path P31. For example, a peristaltic pump is used as the pump Pm so as to deliver fluid in a state dust-free and aseptic as possible, and hydrogen peroxide solution (decontamination material solution) stored in thetank 31 is taken in, in response to a control signal Spm. Then, the hydrogen peroxide solution taken in as such is delivered toward theatomizer 34 side through the filter F31 for removing impurities, such as dust. - The
bottle 32 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F32, and acts as a buffer for collecting the hydrogen peroxide solution that has not been injected as hydrogen peroxide gas (decontaminating gas) from the nozzle of theatomizer 34. Thebottle 32 is provided with awater level sensor 33 configured to measure water level WL1 of the collected hydrogen peroxide solution. - One end of the flow path P32 is connected between the filter F31 and the
bottle 32 in the flow path P31 while the other end thereof is connected to a lower port of theatomizer 34, and a valve V31 is provided on the flow path P32. The valve V31 is configured to open/close the flow path P32 in response to a control signal Sv31. - A flow path P33 is a flow path for supplying compressed air (compressed gas) to the
atomizer 34, and a compressor Cm, a filter F33, and a valve V32 are provided on the flow path P33. The compressor Cm is configured to take in the outside air and compress it in response to a control signal Scm, and such compressed air is supplied to an upper port of theatomizer 34 through the (air) filter F33 for removing impurities, such as dust and moisture content. The valve V32 is provided between the filter F33 and the upper port of theatomizer 34 and is configured to open/close the flow path P33 in response to a control signal Sv32. - A mode selection signal SLm is inputted to the
control unit 1 a from theoperating unit 2 a, and thecontrol unit 1 a is configured to switch the operation mode, which will be described later, in response to the mode selection signal SLm. Further,control unit 1 a is configured to output, in addition to switching the operation mode, the control signals Sv1 to Sv4, Sv31, Sv32, Sb1 to Sb3, Scm, and Spm for controlling the valves, blowers, the compressor Cm, and the pump Pm based on the internal pressure IP1 and the water level WL1. - A description will hereinafter be given of an operation of the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 6 , as appropriate - The operation mode of the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention is switched in response to the mode selection signal SLm, and such mode can be broadly classified into: a decontaminating operation mode (SLm=1 to 4) for decontaminating the working chamber 4 (chamber to be decontaminated); and an aseptic operation mode (SLm=5) for working in the working
chamber 4 where the aseptic environment has been provided by decontamination being performed. The decontaminating operation mode includes a leak test mode (SLm=1) the decontaminating gas production mode (SLm=2), the decontaminating gas exposure mode (SLm=3), and a decontaminating gas discharge mode (SLm=4). - In the decontaminating operation mode, firstly, airtightness of the working
chamber 4 is tested in the leak test mode. In the leak test mode, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , thecontrol unit 1 a is configured to drive the compressor Cm as well as open the valve V32 and further open the valve V3 in a state where the blowers B1 to B3 and the pump Pm are stopped with the valves V1, V2, V4, and V31 closed. Then, by such control, theatomizer 34 of the decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 a supplies, from a nozzle thereof, only the compressed air supplied to the upper port thereof into the workingchamber 4, thereby pressurizing the workingchamber 4. - In such pressurized state of the working
chamber 4, thecontrol unit 1 a determines the airtightness of the workingchamber 4 based on the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4 measured by thepressure sensor 41. For example, thecontrol unit 1 a determines that the airtightness of the workingchamber 4 is in a good condition, when an amount of decrease in the internal pressure IP1 after elapse of a predetermined time equals a pressure that is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. - In the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to test the airtightness of not only the working
chamber 4 but also the flow path P3 in the leak test mode. - When it is determined that the airtightness of the working
chamber 4 is in a good condition in the leak test mode, next the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the workingchamber 4 in the decontaminating gas production mode. The decontaminating gas production mode is commenced, when thecontrol unit 1 a drives the pump Pm and opens the valve V31, drives the blower B3 and opens the valve V3, in the state of the leak test mode, and further, controls opening/closing of the valve V4, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - By such control, the compressed air is supplied to the upper port of the
atomizer 34, as in the leak test mode. Negative pressure is produced by injecting the compressed air from the nozzle of theatomizer 34, and such negative pressure causes the hydrogen peroxide solution, delivered by the pump Pm from thetank 31 toward theatomizer 34, to be supplied to the lower port of theatomizer 34. Then, the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide solution are mixed in theatomizer 34, to be injected as atomized hydrogen peroxide solution, thereafter immediately vaporized, and supplied as the hydrogen peroxide gas. - As such, in the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide gas is directly supplied into the working
chamber 4 without flowing through the filters F1 and F2, in the decontaminating gas production mode. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the workingchamber 4 without loss by absorption into the filters F1 and F2, thereby being able to perform a process of decontaminating the inside of the workingchamber 4 in an efficient manner. - The decontaminating
gas supply unit 3 a can produce hydrogen peroxide gas utilizing the negative pressure produced by injection of compressed air, without heating or using ultrasonic waves. If some kind of failure should stop the supply of the compressed air to theatomizer 34, the hydrogen peroxide solution delivered by the pump Pm is collected in thebottle 32 utilizing the difference in flow-path resistance caused by the difference in flow-path diameter, avoiding supply into the workingchamber 4 in a liquid state. Then, thecontrol unit 1 a stops the pump Pm to stop delivering the hydrogen peroxide solution when the water level WL1 of the hydrogen peroxide solution measured by thewater level sensor 33 reaches a water level that is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. - In the decontaminating gas production mode, the
control unit 1 a also circulates the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 by the blower B3 from the filter F2 through the flow path P3 toward the filter F1, for example. The direction of the air current to circulate the hydrogen peroxide gas may be the direction opposite the above described direction, and also may be reversed alternately. Further, thecontrol unit 1 a controls opening/closing of the valve V4 based on the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , when the internal pressure IP1 exceeds a predetermined positive pressure IPtg, the valve V4 is opened; whereas when the internal pressure IP1 equals or falls below the predetermined positive pressure IPtg, the valve V4 is closed. - As such, in the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the decontaminating gas production mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working
chamber 4 is circulated through the filters F1, F2, and the flow path P3, while the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4 is adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently decontaminate not only the filter F2, which is the discharge filter, but also the filter F1, which is the intake filter. - The hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied into the working
chamber 4 in the decontaminating gas production mode, and thereafter, the exposure of the interior of the working chamber to the hydrogen peroxide gas is performed in the decontaminating gas exposure mode. In the decontaminating gas exposure mode, from the state of the decontaminating gas production mode, thecontrol unit 1 a stops the pump Pm as well as closes the valve V31, as illustrated inFIG. 5 . Then, by such control, the decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 a supplies, from the nozzle, only the compressed air into the workingchamber 4 as in the leak test mode, and further, thecontrol unit 1 a circulates the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 as well as controls opening/closing of the valve V4 based on the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4 as in the decontaminating gas production mode. The permissible flow rate through the valve V4 is lower than that through each of the valves V1 and V2, which leads the valve V4 to have greater responsiveness, thereby being able to accurately control the internal pressure IP1 with thecontrol unit 1 a. - As such, in the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the decontaminating gas exposure mode, the interior of the working
chamber 4 is exposed to the hydrogen peroxide gas, which is supplied in the decontaminating gas production mode. Further, in the decontaminating gas exposure mode as well, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 is circulated through the filters F1 and F2, and the flow path P3, while the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4 is adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg. Thus, by shifting from the decontaminating gas production mode to the decontaminating gas exposure mode, the interior of the workingchamber 4 and the filters F1 and F2 can be sufficiently decontaminated while suppressing the consumption of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in thetank 31. - After the interior of the working
chamber 4 is sufficiently exposed to the hydrogen peroxide gas in the decontaminating gas exposure mode, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 is discharged in the decontaminating gas discharge mode. In the decontaminating gas discharge mode, after proceeding from the state of the decontaminating gas exposure mode, thecontrol unit 1 a drives the blowers B1 and B2 as well as opens the valves V1 and V2; stops the blowers B3 as well as closes the valve V3; and stops the compressor Cm as well as closes the valve V32, and further closes the valve V4, as illustrated inFIG. 6 . - By such control, the decontaminating
gas supply unit 3 a stops supplying the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide gas into the workingchamber 4. Further, thecontrol unit 1 acontrols the number of revolutions of the blowers B1 and B2 based on the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4, and adjusts the internal pressure IP1 of the workingchamber 4 to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg, as in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode. Thus, the outside air is taken into the workingchamber 4 through the flow path P1, and the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 is discharged through the flow path P2. Then, through continuous operation of such for predetermined time period, the hydrogen peroxide gas in the workingchamber 4 is replaced by outside fresh air. - In the isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter F2 is decontaminated in the decontaminating gas discharge mode as well. Further, after the hydrogen peroxide gas in the working
chamber 4 is sufficiently discharged in the decontaminating gas discharge mode, the mode proceeds to the aseptic operation mode, and control therein is similar to that in the decontaminating gas discharge mode. - In an embodiment described above, it was assumed that only the working
chamber 4 is the chamber to be decontaminated, however, it is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , apass box 5 for bringing equipment necessary for the work into the workingchamber 4 through adoor 52 may be the chamber to be decontaminated, in addition to the workingchamber 4. It should be noted that the components for decontaminating the workingchamber 4 are similar to those in the isolator according to an embodiment described above, and thus are omitted inFIG. 7 except for theatomizer 34 and the like. Description of the components for decontaminating the workingchamber 4, which are common to those in an embodiment described above, will hereinafter be omitted. - The isolator illustrated in
FIG. 7 includes acontrol unit 1 b, anoperating unit 2 b, and a decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 b. Thepass box 5 includes an inlet provided with an (intake) filter F3 and an outlet provided with a (discharge) filter F4, and the inlet and outlet are provided with flow paths P5 to P8. Further, thepass box 5 includes therein apressure sensor 51 configured to measure the internal pressure IP2 of thepass box 5. - A (first) flow path P5 is a flow path for taking in the outside air to the
pass box 5 through the filter F3, and a catalyst C3, a (first)valve V5, and a blower B4 are provided on the flow path P5. Whereas, a (second) flow path P6 is a flow path for discharging gas in thepass box 5 through the filter F4, and a catalyst C4 and a (second)valve V6 are provided on a flow path P6. The blower B4 is an axial-flow fan, for example, and is configured to produce air currents to take in the outside air to thepass box 5 through the flow path P5 as well as discharge the gas in thepass box 5 through the flow path P6, in response to a control signal Sb4. Since the capacity of thepass box 5 is smaller than that of the workingchamber 4, such intake and discharge are performed by the a single blower B4. - By the air currents, the outside air flows in through the catalyst C3, and is further supplied into the
pass box 5 through the filter F3, while the gas in thepass box 5 flows out through the filter F4, and furthermore the hydrogen peroxide is decomposed/rendered harmless by the catalyst C4, to be discharged to the exterior. The valve V5 is provided between the catalyst C3 and the blower B4, and is configured to open/close the flow path P5 in response to a control signal Sv5; while the valve V6 is provided between the catalyst C4 and the filter F4, and is configured to open/close the flow path P6 in response to a control signal Sv6. - One end of a flow path P7 is connected to a connection point x between the valve V5 and the blower B4 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F4, and a (third) valve V7 is provided on the flow path P7. The valve V7 is configured to open/close the flow path P7 in response to a control signal Sv7.
- In the isolator illustrated in
FIG. 7 , a flow path between the connection point x and the filter F3 in the first flow path P5, in combination with the flow path P7, corresponds to the third flow path. Further, the blower B4, which is provided on a flow path (flow path between the connection point x and the filter F3) common to the third flow path and the first flow path P5, serves both as the first blower for intake/discharge and the second blower for circulation. The blower B4 functions as the second blower in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, and functions as the first blower in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode. - A (fourth) flow path P8 is another flow path, different from the flow path P6, for discharging the gas in the
pass box 5 through the filter F4 in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode. One end of the flow path P8 is connected to the flow path P6 between the catalyst C4 and the valve V6 while the other end thereof is connected to the filter F4, and a (fourth) valve V8 is provided on the flow path P8. The valve V8 is configured to open/close the flow path P8 in response to a control signal Sv8. - The decontaminating
gas supply unit 3 b includes thetank 31, thebottles water level sensors atomizers - The flow path P31 connects between the
tank 31 and thebottles tank 31 and deliver it toward theatomizers atomizer 34 or theatomizer 37 in response to a control signal Sv35. - The
bottle 32 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F32, and thebottle 32 is provided with thewater level sensor 33 configured to measure the water level WL1 of the hydrogen peroxide solution. Whereas, thebottle 35 is opened to the outside air through the (air) filter F34, and thebottle 35 is provided with thewater level sensor 36 configured to measure a water level WL2 of the hydrogen peroxide solution. - One end of the flow path P32 is connected to the flow path P31 between the valve V35 and the
bottle 32 while the other end thereof is connected to the lower port of theatomizer 34, and the valve V31 is provided on the flow path P32. Whereas, one end of a flow path P34 is connected to the flow path P31 between the valve V35 and thebottle 35 while the other end thereof is connected to a lower port of theatomizer 37, and a valve V33 is provided on the flow path P34. The valve V31 is configured to open/close the flow path P32 in response to the control signal Sv31, and the valve V33 is configured to open/close the flow path P34 in response to a control signal Sv33. - The flow path P33 is a flow path for supplying compressed air to the
atomizer atomizer 34 and a flow path P36 connected to theatomizer 37. The compressor Cm and the filter F33 are provided on the flow path P33, the valves V32 and V34 are provided on the flow paths P35 and P36, respectively. Further, the compressor Cm is configured to take in the outside air to be compressed in response to the control signal Scm, and such compressed air is supplied to the upper port of theatomizer 34 or theatomizer 37 through the (air) filter F33. The valve V32 is provided between the filter F33 and the upper port of theatomizer 34 and is configured to open/close the flow path P35 in response to the control signal Sv32, while the valve V34 is provided between the filter F33 and the upper port of theatomizer 37 and is configured to open/close the flow path P36 in response to a control signal Sv34. - From the
operating unit 2 b, a decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr and the mode selection signal SLm are inputted to thecontrol unit 1 b. Thecontrol unit 1 b is configured to select the workingchamber 4 or thepass box 5 as the chamber to be decontaminated in response to the decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr, and switch an operation mode in response to the mode selection signal SLm. Further, thecontrol unit 1 b is configured to output, in addition to selecting the chamber to be decontaminated and switching the operation mode, the control signals Sv1 to Sv6, Sv31 to Sv35, Sb1 to Sb3, Scm, and Spm based on the internal pressures IP1 and IP2 and the water levels WL1 and WL2. The decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 b is configured to supply the compressed air and the hydrogen peroxide gas into the chamber to be decontaminated selected in response to the decontamination-target-chamber-selection signal SLr. - In the isolator illustrated in
FIG. 7 , the operation mode is switched in response to the mode selection signal SLm, and the control is performed as in the isolator according to an embodiment described above. For example, in the decontaminating gas production mode with respect to thepass box 5, as illustrated inFIG. 8 , the decontaminatinggas supply unit 3 b has the compressed air supplied to the upper port of theatomizer 37 and the hydrogen peroxide solution supplied to the lower port thereof by the negative pressure, to directly supply the hydrogen peroxide gas into thepass box 5. Further, thecontrol unit 1 b is configured to control opening/closing of the valve V8 based on the internal pressure IP2 of thepass box 5, so as to circulate the hydrogen peroxide gas in thepass box 5 by the blower B4 through the filters F3 and F4, and the third flow path while the internal pressure IP2 of thepass box 5 is being adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg. - In the isolator illustrated in
FIG. 7 , the third flow path and the flow path P5 includes a common flow path, and the blower B4 is provided on the common flow path, however, it is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9 , a configuration may be such that the third flow path and the second flow path P6 includes a common flow path (flow path between a connection point Y and the filter F4), and the blower B4, which is provided on the common flow path, serves both as the first blower for intake/discharge and the second blower for circulation. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , for example, the isolator with such a configuration also is controlled by a control signal similar to that in the isolator illustrated inFIG. 7 . - As described above, in the decontaminating gas production mode of the isolator illustrated in
FIG. 1 (FIG. 7 ,FIG. 9 ), The hydrogen peroxide gas, which is the decontaminating gas, is directly supplied into the working chamber 4 (pass box 5), which is the chamber to be decontaminated, without flowing through the filter F1 (F3), being the intake filter, and the filter F2 (F4), being the discharge filter, and the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path P3 (P7 and common flow path) connecting the intake and discharge filters at the exterior of the chamber to be decontaminated, thereby supplying a sufficient amount of decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated, and further, sufficiently decontaminating not only the discharge filter but also the intake filter. Thus, the efficiency of the process of decontaminating the interior of the chamber to be decontaminated and the intake filter can be improved. - Further, in the decontaminating gas production mode, while the decontaminating gas is being supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated from the decontaminating
gas supply unit 3 a (3 b), the second blower B3 (B4) is driven as well as the third flow path, which is opened/closed by the third valve V3 (V7), is opened, in a state where the first flow path P1 (P5) for performing intake and the second flow path P2 (P6) for performing discharge by the first blowers B1 and B2 (B4) are closed, thereby circulating the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, so that the intake filter can sufficiently be decontaminated. - Further, the catalyst C2 (C4) for decomposing the decontamination material is provided on the side more distant (away) from the discharge filter as compared with the second valve V2 (V6) configured to open/close the second flow path, one end of the fourth flow path P4 (P8) connected between the catalyst and the second valve, the other end thereof connected to the discharge filter, and opening/closing of the fourth valve V4 (V8), which is configured to control open/close the fourth flow path, is controlled based on the internal pressure IP1 (IP2) of the chamber to be decontaminated that is measured by the pressure sensor 41 (51) in the decontaminating gas production mode, thereby being able to circulate the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, while the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated is being adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure IPtg . Further, with such connection, the decontamination material contained in the decontaminating gas, which is discharged not only in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode but also the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, is decomposed and rendered harmless, then to be discharged to the exterior.
- Further, in the decontaminating gas production mode, the decontaminating gas is produced by mixing the compressed gas and the decontamination material, to be supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated; and thereafter, in the decontaminating gas exposure mode, while only the compressed gas is being supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated, the decontaminating gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated as well as opening/closing of the fourth valve is controlled; thereby being able to sufficiently decontaminate the interior of the chamber to be decontaminated and the intake filter while suppressing the consumption of the decontamination material, as in the contamination gas production mode.
- Further, only the compressed gas is supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated in a state where the first, second, and fourth valves are closed and the third valve opened, thereby being able to test the airtightness of the chamber to be decontaminated and the third flow path based on the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated.
- Further, in the isolator illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 9 , the third flow path includes the flow path common to the first or the second flow path, and the second blower for circulation is provided on the flow path common thereto, so that the second blower serves also as the first blower for intake and discharge, that is to say, the second blower can be used as the second blower in the decontaminating gas production mode and the decontaminating gas exposure mode, while used as the first blower in the decontaminating gas discharge mode and the aseptic operation mode. - The above embodiments of the present invention are simply for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not in any way to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present invention may variously be changed or altered without departing from its spirit and encompass equivalents thereof.
Claims (10)
1. An isolator comprising:
a chamber to be decontaminated including an inlet provided with an intake filter and an outlet provided with a discharge filter;
a first flow path through which outside air is taken into the chamber to be decontaminated via the intake filter;
a second flow path through which gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is discharged via the discharge filter;
a first blower configured to take in the outside air to the chamber to be decontaminated through the first flow path, as well as produce an air current to discharge the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the second flow path;
a decontaminating gas supply unit configured to supply decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated without flowing through the intake filter and the discharge filter;
a third flow path configured to connect the intake filter and the discharge filter at an exterior of the chamber to be decontaminated; and
a second blower configured to produce an air current to circulate the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated through the intake filter, the discharge filter, and the third flow path, when the decontaminating gas is supplied to the chamber to be decontaminated.
2. The isolator according to claim 1 further comprising:
a first valve configured to open/close the first flow path;
a second valve configured to open/close the second flow path;
a third valve configured to open/close the third flow path; and
a control unit configured to drive the second blower as well as open the third valve in a state where the first and the second valves are closed, so that the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated, in a case where the decontaminating gas is supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated.
3. The isolator according to claim 2 further comprising:
a fourth flow path through which the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is discharged via the discharge filter;
a fourth valve configured to open/close the fourth flow path;
a detoxifying unit provided on the second flow path, the detoxifying unit configured to reduce an amount of a decontamination material contained in the decontaminating gas, to be rendered harmless;
a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated, wherein
the second valve is provided between the detoxifying unit and the discharge filter,
the fourth flow path is configured to connect the discharge filter and a flow path, in the second flow path, between the detoxifying unit and the second valve, and
the control unit is further configured to, in a case where the decontaminating gas is supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated, control opening/closing of the fourth valve based on a measurement result of the pressure sensor, so that the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated is circulated while the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated is adjusted to a predetermined positive pressure.
4. The isolator according to claim 3 , wherein
the decontaminating gas supply unit includes a compressor configured to supply compressed gas, and an atomizer configured to produce the decontaminating gas by mixing the compressed gas and the decontamination material, wherein
the decontaminating gas supply unit is configured to, after supplying the decontaminating gas into the chamber to be decontaminated, supply only the compressed gas thereinto, and wherein
the control unit is configured to circulate the gas in the chamber to be decontaminated while the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated is adjusted to the predetermined positive pressure, in a case where, after the decontaminating gas is supplied into the chamber to be decontaminated, only the compressed gas is supplied thereinto.
5. The isolator according to claim 4 , wherein
the control unit is configured to close the first, the second, and the fourth valves, and open the third valve, and
the decontaminating gas supply unit is configured to supply only the compressed gas into the chamber to be decontaminated,
in a case where airtightness of the chamber to be decontaminated is tested based on the internal pressure of the chamber to be decontaminated measured by the pressure sensor.
6. The isolator according to claim 1 , wherein
the third flow path includes a flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and
the second blower is provided on the flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and also serves as the first blower.
7. The isolator according to claim 2 , wherein
the third flow path includes a flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and
the second blower is provided on the flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and also serves as the first blower.
8. The isolator according to claim 3 , wherein
the third flow path includes a flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and
the second blower is provided on the flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and also serves as the first blower.
9. The isolator according to claim 4 , wherein
the third flow path includes a flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and
the second blower is provided on the flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and also serves as the first blower.
10. The isolator according to claim 5 , wherein
the third flow path includes a flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and
the second blower is provided on the flow path common to one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and also serves as the first blower.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/971,326 US9180422B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2013-08-20 | Isolator |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2011102048A JP5823727B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2011-04-28 | Isolator |
JP2011-102048 | 2011-04-28 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/971,326 Division US9180422B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2013-08-20 | Isolator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120275967A1 true US20120275967A1 (en) | 2012-11-01 |
Family
ID=46052559
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/456,588 Abandoned US20120275967A1 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2012-04-26 | Isolator |
US13/971,326 Active US9180422B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2013-08-20 | Isolator |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/971,326 Active US9180422B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2013-08-20 | Isolator |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20120275967A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2517735B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5823727B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012202414A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2775411A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8597588B1 (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2013-12-03 | Vcom International Multimedia Corporation | Sanitizing headsets during a period of non-use |
US20130336844A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2013-12-19 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US8883085B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2014-11-11 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US9222066B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2015-12-29 | Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Incubator and method for decontaminating incubator |
US9333498B2 (en) | 2013-08-30 | 2016-05-10 | Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. | Isolator system |
US9913922B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2018-03-13 | Panasonic Corporation | Sterilizing component removal device, disinfection device, disinfected environment maintaining system, and sterilizing component removal method |
US20180311389A1 (en) * | 2017-05-01 | 2018-11-01 | Shibuya Corporation | Aeration method of isolator system |
US20200390929A1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2020-12-17 | Jgc Japan Corporation | Bacteria treatment mechanism and bacteria treatment method |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012132146A1 (en) * | 2011-03-29 | 2012-10-04 | パナソニック ヘルスケア株式会社 | Decontamination solution spray device |
GB2500872A (en) * | 2012-03-22 | 2013-10-09 | Howorth Air Technology Ltd | Bio-safety cabinet decontamination apparatus |
JP6386228B2 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2018-09-05 | 澁谷工業株式会社 | Aseptic work system |
WO2015129452A1 (en) * | 2014-02-27 | 2015-09-03 | パナソニックヘルスケアホールディングス株式会社 | Incubator and cell culture system provided with same |
JP6408894B2 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2018-10-17 | Phcホールディングス株式会社 | Isolator system |
DE102021101403A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-28 | Syntegon Technology Gmbh | A pharmaceutical plant and a method of operating a pharmaceutical plant |
IT202100008180A1 (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2022-10-01 | Fedegari Autoclavi | DECONTAMINATION MACHINE AND CATALYST DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL VAPORS |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2006116095A (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-05-11 | Earekkusu:Kk | System for introducing and discharging gas for decontamination |
US7186371B1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2007-03-06 | Bioquell Uk Limited. | Sealed enclosure sterilization |
US20070253859A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-01 | Steris Inc. | Hydrogen peroxide vaporizer |
US20100189607A1 (en) * | 2009-01-26 | 2010-07-29 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US20120275965A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4372226A (en) * | 1981-04-30 | 1983-02-08 | Kelley Company Inc. | Liquid waste feeding system for an incinerator |
DE3523310A1 (en) * | 1985-06-29 | 1987-01-02 | Bayer Ag | Method of sterilising systems, apparatus and rooms with gaseous sterilising agents |
US6520426B2 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2003-02-18 | Spraying Systems Co. | Sanitary spray nozzle for spray guns |
JP2001349586A (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2001-12-21 | Bio Media Co Ltd | Room pressure adjusting apparatus |
JP3915598B2 (en) | 2002-05-27 | 2007-05-16 | 澁谷工業株式会社 | Sterilization liquid vaporizer |
JP4510480B2 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2010-07-21 | 株式会社エアレックス | Decontamination apparatus and decontamination method |
WO2005094909A1 (en) | 2004-03-23 | 2005-10-13 | Steris Inc. | Integrated control and distribution system for the decontamination of large volume, convoluted configuration spaces |
JP2006320392A (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-30 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Sterilization system |
US20070098592A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | Steris Inc. | Parallel flow VHP decontamination system |
US7550122B2 (en) * | 2006-05-31 | 2009-06-23 | American Sterilizer Company | Decontamination system with air bypass |
US7919059B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2011-04-05 | American Sterilizer Company | Vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination system with concentration adjustment mode |
JP4911632B2 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2012-04-04 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Isolator |
JP4911631B2 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2012-04-04 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Isolator |
JP5189433B2 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2013-04-24 | パナソニックヘルスケア株式会社 | Isolator |
CN103203035B (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2015-04-01 | 松下健康医疗控股株式会社 | Isolator |
JP5243163B2 (en) * | 2008-09-22 | 2013-07-24 | パナソニックヘルスケア株式会社 | Isolator |
JP4924570B2 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2012-04-25 | 澁谷工業株式会社 | Isolator system |
EP2210618B8 (en) * | 2009-01-26 | 2013-06-26 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
JP5823727B2 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2015-11-25 | パナソニックヘルスケアホールディングス株式会社 | Isolator |
-
2011
- 2011-04-28 JP JP2011102048A patent/JP5823727B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2012
- 2012-04-26 US US13/456,588 patent/US20120275967A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-04-26 EP EP12165616.9A patent/EP2517735B1/en active Active
- 2012-04-26 CA CA2775411A patent/CA2775411A1/en active Pending
- 2012-04-26 AU AU2012202414A patent/AU2012202414A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-08-20 US US13/971,326 patent/US9180422B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7186371B1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2007-03-06 | Bioquell Uk Limited. | Sealed enclosure sterilization |
JP2006116095A (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-05-11 | Earekkusu:Kk | System for introducing and discharging gas for decontamination |
US20070253859A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-01 | Steris Inc. | Hydrogen peroxide vaporizer |
US20100189607A1 (en) * | 2009-01-26 | 2010-07-29 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US20120275965A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
English translation of JP 2006-116095 Kawasaki et al. May 2006 * |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130336844A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2013-12-19 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US8883085B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2014-11-11 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US9180422B2 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2015-11-10 | Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. | Isolator |
US8597588B1 (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2013-12-03 | Vcom International Multimedia Corporation | Sanitizing headsets during a period of non-use |
US8703051B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2014-04-22 | Vcom International Multimedia Corporation | Sanitizing headsets during a period of non-use |
US9333498B2 (en) | 2013-08-30 | 2016-05-10 | Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. | Isolator system |
US9222066B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2015-12-29 | Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Incubator and method for decontaminating incubator |
US9913922B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2018-03-13 | Panasonic Corporation | Sterilizing component removal device, disinfection device, disinfected environment maintaining system, and sterilizing component removal method |
US20180311389A1 (en) * | 2017-05-01 | 2018-11-01 | Shibuya Corporation | Aeration method of isolator system |
US10980904B2 (en) * | 2017-05-01 | 2021-04-20 | Shibuya Corporation | Aeration method of isolator system |
US20200390929A1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2020-12-17 | Jgc Japan Corporation | Bacteria treatment mechanism and bacteria treatment method |
US11918712B2 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2024-03-05 | Jgc Japan Corporation | Bacteria treatment mechanism and bacteria treatment method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2012202414A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
CA2775411A1 (en) | 2012-10-28 |
JP5823727B2 (en) | 2015-11-25 |
US9180422B2 (en) | 2015-11-10 |
EP2517735B1 (en) | 2020-11-25 |
EP2517735A1 (en) | 2012-10-31 |
US20130336844A1 (en) | 2013-12-19 |
JP2012231918A (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9180422B2 (en) | Isolator | |
US8883085B2 (en) | Isolator | |
CN102065909B (en) | Isolator | |
CN102497916B (en) | For the method and apparatus of pipeline purifying | |
US8741227B2 (en) | Isolator | |
US9464265B2 (en) | Incubator for isolator | |
JP4911632B2 (en) | Isolator | |
JP2012518485A (en) | Gas sterilization apparatus and gas sterilization method | |
JP6271224B2 (en) | Incubator and incubator decontamination method | |
US20140017132A1 (en) | Decontamination solution spray device | |
JP5824112B2 (en) | Isolator and control method of isolator | |
JP5341428B2 (en) | Isolator | |
JP5410007B2 (en) | Isolator | |
JP4911631B2 (en) | Isolator | |
US11759537B2 (en) | Sterilizing method and sterilizer | |
US20230115895A1 (en) | Sterilizing method and sterilizer | |
KR20120122877A (en) | Isolator | |
JP2018148846A (en) | Culture vessel conveyor | |
JP5877178B2 (en) | Isolator | |
US20230141766A1 (en) | Sterilizing method and sterilizer | |
US11766497B2 (en) | Sterilizing method and sterilizer | |
KR20120122876A (en) | Isolator | |
JP2017219281A (en) | Isolator system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YOKOI, YASUHIKO;KOBAYASHI, KOICHI;YAMAMOTO, HIROSHI;REEL/FRAME:029170/0383 Effective date: 20120621 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |