WO2010128480A2 - Système et procédé pour la décontamination d'un système de traitement de l'air - Google Patents

Système et procédé pour la décontamination d'un système de traitement de l'air Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010128480A2
WO2010128480A2 PCT/IB2010/052008 IB2010052008W WO2010128480A2 WO 2010128480 A2 WO2010128480 A2 WO 2010128480A2 IB 2010052008 W IB2010052008 W IB 2010052008W WO 2010128480 A2 WO2010128480 A2 WO 2010128480A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
ozone
processing system
air processing
conduit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/052008
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010128480A3 (fr
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Lepage
Original Assignee
Jean-Pierre Lepage
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jean-Pierre Lepage filed Critical Jean-Pierre Lepage
Publication of WO2010128480A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010128480A2/fr
Publication of WO2010128480A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010128480A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/34—Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
    • B01D53/96—Regeneration, reactivation or recycling of reactants
    • 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
    • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
    • 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
    • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
    • A61L2209/111—Sensor means, e.g. motion, brightness, scent, contaminant sensors
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2251/00—Reactants
    • B01D2251/10—Oxidants
    • B01D2251/104—Ozone

Definitions

  • the description relates to air processing systems, and more precisely to decontamination of such air processing systems.
  • Air processing systems that exist today are very diversified. Air processing systems are used to filter, to cool, to heat, to humidify, to dry, to pressurize or to mix air and in certain cases to remove undesirable volatile organic compounds (VOC) and gazes such as carbon monoxide or ozone, to name few, from the air. These systems may include passive or active means to capture or eliminate virus, bacteria, spores, particulates and undesirable gazes that may represent a treat to humans and live stock. Air processing systems may combine together more than one capability described above.
  • VOC volatile organic compounds
  • gazes such as carbon monoxide or ozone
  • HEPA filters High Efficiency Particulate Air filters.
  • Such filters block most particles with dimensions in the sub-micron or more, which include biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores.
  • the biological contaminants are not destroyed or inactivated by such filters. They are simply captured by the filter.
  • the captured biological contaminants remain active for quite a long time and can reproduce. There is a high risk that a contamination could occur from the captured contaminants when a filter breakdown occurs while in service, in this case there will be a large release of contaminants in the air stream. Contamination issues also arise when filters are replaced and disposed of.
  • One solution uses chemical substances deposited on the surface of the filter or impregnated in the fibers of the filter. Biological contaminants are destroyed when they enter into contact with or are in close proximity to these chemical substances. However, the biological contaminant destruction property and efficiency of such filter elements quickly decreases as particles accumulate on the processing surfaces and isolate the active substance from the contaminate to be destroyed.
  • UV ultra-violet light
  • An ozone distribution system is placed at the input of an air processing system.
  • Ozone is produced externally, in an ozone generator.
  • a catalytic converter is placed downstream of the air processing system to convert the ozone gas back into oxygen before air is released in the environment.
  • Ozone continuously circulates from one end to the other of the whole air processing system during the use of the air processing system such that it acts as a biological inhibitor which continuously decontaminates the air processing system during use.
  • the ozone distribution unit consists of a grid of perforated tubes or shaped extrusion tubes in which ozone is circulated such that ozone is distributed quite uniformly at the input of the air processing system.
  • the ozone decontaminates and destroys the contaminants on the surfaces of the air processing system.
  • the addition of ozone in the air system significantly improves the VOC destruction.
  • a decontamination system for decontaminating an air processing system in which air flows within an air processing conduit
  • the decontamination system comprising: an ozone generating unit for producing ozone gas, the ozone generating unit being located externally to the air processing conduit; an ozone distributor located upstream of the air processing system in the conduit relative to air flow and connected to the outlet of the ozone generating unit, for distributing the ozone gas in the air processing system mixed with the air during use of the air processing system to decontaminate the air processing system; and an ozone catalytic converter located downstream of the air processing system in the conduit, for converting the ozone gas into oxygen before the air is released in the environment.
  • an air processing system comprising: an air processing conduit having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan disposed in the conduit for circulating air to be processed in the conduit between the air inlet and the air outlet; an air filter for filtering air circulating in the conduit; an ozone generating unit for producing ozone gas, the ozone generating unit being located externally to the air processing conduit; an ozone distributor located upstream of the air filter in the conduit relative to air circulation and connected to the outlet of the ozone generating unit, for distributing the ozone gas on an air input surface of the air filter such that the ozone gas circulates in the air filter mixed with the air during use of the air processing system to decontaminate the air processing system; and a catalytic converter located downstream of the air filter in the conduit, for converting the ozone gas into oxygen before the air is released in the environment through the air outlet.
  • a method for decontaminating an air processing system wherein air flows within an air processing conduit comprising: producing ozone gas externally to the air processing conduit; distributing the ozone gas on an air input surface of the air processing system such that the ozone gas circulates in the air processing system mixed with the air during use of the air processing system to decontaminate the air processing system; and converting the ozone gas into oxygen before the air is released in the environment.
  • the ozone distributor for distributing the ozone gas in the air processing system mixed with the air during use of the air processing system is configured to distribute the ozone over an entire surface of an input of the air processing system.
  • the ozone distributor comprises a grid of interconnected tubes perforated with perforations, each the perforations being one of holes and slots.
  • perforations of the perforated tubes are located on a side of the tubes generally facing the air processing system.
  • the tubes have a rounded front end of facing the air flow and a sharp end facing the air processing system, said tubes having two surfaces perpendicular to said air flow, said perforations being located on at least one of said two perpendicular surfaces of said tubes.
  • the tubes have a rounded front end of facing the air flow and a sharp end facing the air processing system, said perforations being located on at least one of a top and a bottom surfaces of said tubes.
  • the tubes have a rounded front end of facing the air flow and a sharp end facing the air processing system, said tubes having two elongated surfaces substantially parallel to said air flow, said perforations being located on at least one of said two parallel surfaces of said tubes.
  • the tubes are profiled in a wing shape, the sharp end being a tail end of the wing shape tube.
  • the perforations are located on at least one of a top and a bottom surface of the wing shape tube near a low pressure area.
  • the tubes are circular tubes provided with a blade portion, the blade portion being the sharp end.
  • the air processing system comprises a filter located at the input of the air processing system for removing at least one of particles and contaminants.
  • the air processing system comprises an ionic air purifier filter having a filtering element, the filtering element being made of one of foam, fiber pad, folded filter paper, fiber volume and membrane.
  • the ionic air purifier filter is disposed in between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being connected to a high voltage source to generate a high voltage electrical field across the filtering element.
  • the first electrode is provided by the ozone distributor, wherein the tube is made of an electrically conductive material and the tail end has a sharp edge, thereby acting as a corona discharge electrode.
  • the conduit has an air inlet and an air outlet and wherein the ozone distributor is located directly at the air inlet.
  • the system further comprises a pump for pushing ozone from the ozone generating unit to the ozone distributor.
  • the pump is high pressure air coming from a pitot.
  • the system further comprises a fan for circulating the air flow in the conduit.
  • the system further comprises a ozone level detector for measuring a concentration of the ozone gas in the air flow and an alarm unit for providing an alarm if the concentration reaches a predetermined concentration threshold.
  • the ozone level detector measures the concentration downstream of the air processing system.
  • the predetermined concentration threshold comprises a maximum threshold and a minimum threshold.
  • the system further comprises a ozone generation controller for deactivating the ozone generating unit upon the providing of the alarm.
  • the system further comprises a ozone generation controller for deactivating the ozone generating unit upon turning off the fan.
  • the system further comprises a flow detector for detecting a flow of the air flow in the conduit and the system further comprises a ozone generation controller for deactivating the ozone generating unit if the flow is lower than a predetermined acceptable flow.
  • a flow detector for detecting a flow of the air flow in the conduit
  • the system further comprises a ozone generation controller for deactivating the ozone generating unit if the flow is lower than a predetermined acceptable flow.
  • filter is intended to refer to all kinds of air filters including both decontamination filter and coarse particle filter and also including pre-filters can be used at the input of an air processing system to block coarse particles.
  • air processing is intended to refer to any form of conditioning of air, such as filtering, air mixing, cooling, dehumidification, heating, ventilation, disinfection, filtration, contaminant removal, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) adsorption or catalyst converting which modify the condition of air. Therefore, it includes typical definitions of air conditioning, air purification, air treatment, etc.
  • VOC Volatile Organic Compound
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an air processing system having an air filter and a system for decontaminating the air processing system;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an air processing system having an air filter and a system for decontaminating the air filter, wherein controlling features of the decontamination system are illustrated;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment of an air processing system having an air filter and a system for decontaminating the air filter, wherein controlling features of the decontamination system use feedback from an air flow detector;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment of the air processing system of Fig. 1 , wherein the air filter is an ionic air purifier;
  • Fig. 5 comprises Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B which are cross-sections of a tube with at least one hole for the ozone distribution system, Fig. 5A has a single hole and Fig 5B has two holes;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-section of a wing shaped tube with holes for the ozone distribution system with a sharp trailing edge which can be used as a discharge electrode;
  • Fig. 7 comprises Fig. 7A to Fig. 70 which are perspective views of examples of the geometry of the tubes for the ozone distribution system;
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment of the air processing system of Fig. 1 , wherein the air filter is an ionic air purifier disposed in between two grid- shaped electrodes;
  • Fig. 9 comprises Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B
  • Fig. 9A is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment of the air processing system of Fig. 1 , wherein the air filter is an ionic air purifier disposed in between a grid-shaped electrode and the ozone distribution system with distribution tubes shaped to act as an electrode
  • Fig. 9B is a detail of the distribution tubes of Fig. 9A;
  • Fig. 1OA is a perspective assembled view of an example embodiment of the air processing system of Fig. 1 provided in a casing ready to be used in an aircraft air recirculation system, wherein the air filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, Fig. 10 B is a perspective exploded view of the example embodiment of Fig. 1OA.
  • HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air
  • Fig. 1 illustrates the main components of an air processing system 100 which includes a decontamination system 112 for decontaminating the whole air processing system 100.
  • the decontamination system 112 may be used in various types of air processing systems and the type of system to be decontaminated therefore varies depending on the application.
  • the air processing system may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
  • the system to be decontaminated is the HEPA filter itself, which is the main processing stage of the system.
  • the air processing system is an ionic air purifier that includes a pre-filter used to remove coarse particles for the air before it reaches the ionic air purifier stage.
  • the system to be decontaminated is the whole air processing system which includes the pre-filter.
  • the air processing system is a heat exchanger that also includes a pre-filter used to remove coarse particles. The system to be decontaminated also includes the pre-filter.
  • the air processing system 100 has a sealed air processing conduit 114 with an air inlet 116 and an air outlet 118 between which air to be processed is to be circulated. Disposed in the conduit 114, the main components of the air processing system 100 include a filter 120, optional other processing stage(s) 122 as needed for the application and a fan 124. Fan 124 is optional. However, air is to travel through the system and appropriate air circulation is needed for the system to operate properly.
  • the air filter 120 may be the primary processing stage of the system 100 or may be a prefilter used for removing coarse particles in the air entering the system 100 before the primary processing stage(s) 122. Examples are described in more detail below.
  • the fan 124 is can be placed near the air outlet 118 and is used for circulating air to be processed in the conduit 114, i.e. between the air inlet 116 and the air outlet 118, and through the filtering and processing stage(s) located in the conduit 114. Alternatively the fan 124 may be placed upstream of the system (not shown).
  • the processing system 100 may also include other optional processing stage(s).
  • processing stages may include an ionic air purifier stage or a corona discharge stage, an heat exchanger, dryer or a humidification stage, VOC adsorption or catalytic conversion stages for example.
  • components of the decontamination system 112 that is, an ozone generating unit 126, an ozone distributor 128 and a catalytic converter 130.
  • the ozone generating unit 126 is located externally to the air processing conduit 114 and produces ozone gas.
  • the ozone gas is produced from the oxygen present in the environment using the corona discharge principle operated either with alternative current, direct current or radio frequency current. Accordingly, oxygen of air from the environment is exposed to a strong electric field which dissociates oxygen molecules. The oxygen atoms then recombine, in a small proportion, into ozone.
  • excitation parameters used to control the corona discharges such as the excitation voltage level, may be controlled as a function of air density, air pressure, air temperature and/or air humidity.
  • the reader is referred to United States Patent No. 7,553,353 to Lepage for an example of the control of excitation parameters for producing ozone.
  • the produced ozone gas is then conveyed to the ozone distributor 128 which is located in the conduit 114, upstream of the air processing system.
  • the ozone distributor 128 is used to uniformly distribute the ozone gas on the air input surface of the first element of the air processing system, in this case the air filter 120, such that the ozone gas continuously circulates in the air processing system mixed with the air during use of the air processing system 100.
  • the biological inhibition and destruction property of ozone then decontaminates the whole air processing system including the air filter 120 by biological oxidation thus inhibiting most biological contaminants (pathogen) and particles captured by the air filter 120. It is noted that the concentration of ozone distributed and the exposition time of the pathogen to ozone should be calculated to sufficiently inhibit most particles captured by the air filter 120 and the other components of the air processing system within a certain period of time.
  • the catalytic converter 130 may be located anywhere downstream of the air processing system in the conduit 114 and is used for converting the ozone gas back into oxygen before air is released in the environment through the air outlet 118.
  • the catalytic converter 130 can use manganese dioxide as an active catalyzing element.
  • the catalytic converter 130 can be made of a honeycomb matrix or of spaced parallel thin plates, to maximize the air contact surfaces. In both cases, the surface is coated with a catalytic substance such as, but not limited to, manganese dioxide.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an air processing system 200 similar to the one of Fig. 1 but, also illustrated, are controlling features of the decontamination system 212.
  • Main components of the air processing system 200 and of the decontamination system 212 are the same as the ones of the system 100 of Fig. 1 and will therefore not be repeatedly described.
  • the decontamination system 212 has an ozone level detector 232 coupled to an alarm unit 234 and an ozone generation controller 236 coupled to the fan 124 and to the ozone generating unit 126.
  • the ozone level detector 232 is used to check whether the decontamination system 212 is working properly, i.e. whether a sufficient ozone level is distributed in the air processing system to ensure proper decontamination.
  • the ozone level detector 232 is shown here as placed between the optional other processing stage(s) 122 and the catalytic converter 130 but it can be placed anywhere else between the ozone distributor 128 and the catalytic converter 130 and either before or after the filter 120.
  • the ozone level detector 232 measures the ozone level (i.e. the ozone concentration) in the air as the air processing system 200 operates.
  • the measured ozone level is transmitted to the alarm unit 234 which activates an alarm whenever the ozone level is below a predetermined threshold.
  • the ozone level is measured by measuring absorption of light at a predetermined wavelength in the air within the conduit 114. or others existing sensor technology providing ozone level detection. It is noted that in another embodiment, the ozone level may be evaluated by measuring the electrical consumption of the ozone generating unit 126. Also a second ozone level detector (not shown) may be placed downstream of the catalytic converter to verify that the ozone level in the released air at the output of the system is low enough for safe distribution and usage. If the level is above a certain threshold, for example 25 ppbv, an alarm will be generated and the ozone generation could be automatically stopped. The alarm controller may be part of the ozone generator unit.
  • a third ozone level detector (not shown) is mounted in the air intake of the ozone generator. If the measured ozone level in the incoming ambient air to the ozone generator is above a certain threshold this may indicate a leak of ozone in the ambient air and the generator could be turn off for safety.
  • the ozone generation controller 236 is used to prevent potential ozone leakage out of the conduit 114. Accordingly, the ozone generation controller 236 controls the ozone generating unit 126 using feedback from the fan 124.
  • the fan 124 normally ensures an air flow from the air inlet 116 to the air outlet 118 and, accordingly, that ozone passes through the catalytic converter.
  • the ozone generation controller 236 switches off the ozone generating unit 126 to prevent ozone from exiting the system 200 through the air inlet 116.
  • the ozone generator may be controlled to provide a very small production of ozone, just enough to slowly diffuse within the air processing unit thus maintaining decontamination of the system.
  • an air flow detector 340 is placed anywhere into the conduit 114. A feedback from the air flow detector 340 is then used by the ozone generation controller 236 to control the ozone generation unit 126.
  • the ozone generation unit 126 is switched off whenever the level of air flow is below a predetermined threshold.
  • the ozone generator may be controlled to provide a very small production of ozone just enough to slowly diffuse within the air processing unit thus maintaining decontamination of the system.
  • the decontamination system is used in an air processing system such as a simple evaporator used for air cooling. Water that is condensing on the evaporator may result in proliferation of legionella.
  • an air processing system generally has a pre-filter used to remove coarse particles before air enters the evaporator stage.
  • the air processing system has an ozone generating unit, an ozone distributor, a pre-filter, an evaporator, a catalytic converter and a fan. Additional components, such as units used in the control of the system, may of course be included.
  • the evaporator is disposed downstream of and adjacent to the pre-filter. Ozone distributed at the input surface of the pre-filter also passes through the evaporator which also destroys biological contaminants in the evaporator and in the whole air processing system.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment of the air processing system of Fig. 1 , wherein the air filter is an ionic air purifier.
  • the ionic air purifier is a filtering foam volume 420.
  • the air processing system 400 includes a decontamination unit 412 comprising an ozone generating unit 426, an ozone distributor 428 and a catalytic converter 430 as described herein above and used to decontaminate the whole system, including the filter 420.
  • the filter 420 is located within an enclosure 414 which serves as a conduit through which the air to be decontaminated is to be circulated using a fan (not shown).
  • the filter 420 blocks particles having a sub-micron dimension and more, which include biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores. Without the present invention, the biological contaminants are not destroyed or inactivated by filter 420 but they are simply captured.
  • the decontamination unit 412 is used to biologically inhibit particles captured by the filter 420.
  • the ozone gas produced by the ozone generating unit 426 is conveyed to the ozone distributor 428 using a conveying pipe 432. Flow of ozone from the ozone generating unit 426 is enabled by a positive pressure created at the air intake of the ozone generating unit 426.
  • the positive pressure can be generated by an air pump (not shown) placed at the air intake of the ozone generating unit 426 or being part of the generator itself.
  • the positive pressure may also be created by the use of an air source having pressure that is slightly higher (taking into account tubing pressure drop and desired air volume) than the pressure of the environment air.
  • an air source may come, if the airspeed is sufficient, from a Pitot tube placed in the airflow intake of the air processing system 400 and linked to the air input of the ozone generating unit 426.
  • the positive pressure airflow required at the input of the ozone generator may be obtained by taping the air conduit, with a Pitot tube, downstream of the fan where a higher pressure exists.
  • the ozone distributor 428 consists of a grid of perforated tubes 434 disposed next to the input surface of the filter 420.
  • the tubes can be made of metal or composite materials, for example. Perforated holes or slots are distributed along the length of the tubes 434 on the side of the tubes which is facing the filter 420 or on both sides of the tube parallel to the filter entry plane, such that ozone circulating in the tubes 434 exits from the perforations and is thereby uniformly mixed with the air passing through the filter 420 and continuing on through the air processing system.
  • the tube may also be fitted with twisted blade to improve mixing of the ozone with the incoming air. The ozone is therefore uniformly distributed on the air input surface of the filter 420.
  • Ozone then passes through the filter 420, though its pleats and asperities, to inhibit most the particles that are captured therein. Captured particles are therefore continuously exposed to a relatively high level of ozone and are subject to oxidation which inactivates them.
  • the ozone mixed with the air then continues through the air processing system and the whole system is decontaminated in the same manner.
  • the catalytic converter 430 is located next, downstream of the filter 420.
  • the enclosure 414 ensures that the air conduit is sealed such that no air or ozone can exit the air processing system 400 without passing through the catalytic converter 430.
  • the whole system 400 is decontaminated by the ozone mixed with the air.
  • FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of a tube 550 with a single perforation 552 facing the air filter.
  • Fig. 5B shows a tube 550' with two holes 554, 556 parallel to the filter entry plane. Airflow, with sufficient airspeed, passing over holes 554 and 556 generates a negative local pressure that aspirates the ozone from the generator.
  • the tubes 634 are profiled in a symmetrical shape similar to a wing of an airplane.
  • the profile is oriented according to the air flow such that air flow on the surface of the tubes 634 that is perpendicular to the air flow generates locally a lower air pressure, due to the increase of the airflow speed at that location on the wing, that aspirates the ozone out of the tubes 634 through holes or slots perforated along the wing.
  • the rounded front end 662 faces the air flow and is located upstream.
  • the tail end 664 is adjacent to the air filter and is located downstream.
  • the top and bottom surfaces are provided with perforations or slots 666, 668.
  • the spacing and diameter of the holes or the slot width, length and spacing are selected according to their position in the ozone distribution grid such that the ozone quantity per unit of surface is constant over the whole entry surface of the air processing system.
  • the hole or slot pattern can also be adapted to a particular opening shape of the air processing system. Multiple rows of slots may also be manufactured such as staggered rows of slots or holes.
  • Fig. 7 shows perspective views of examples of the configuration of the tubes 434 forming part of the Ozone Distribution system 128.
  • Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D present tubes with a simple circular cross section.
  • plain holes or slots are machined on the tubes in the direction mainly opposite to the airflow.
  • Figure 7C and 7D show embodiments where multiple rows of holes or slots are used in the direction opposite to the airflow.
  • Figs. 7E, 7F show typical locations for the holes or slots in order to beneficiate from the aspiration (low pressure area) created in the vicinity of the holes and slots by the airflow around the wing-shaped tube 434 when sufficient airflow speed is available. These two embodiments also have sharp edges to act as corona discharge electrodes when the wing shaped tubes are made of electrically conductive material.
  • Figs. 7G, 7H are corona type wing-shaped tubes, with multiple angled edges to increase the corona activity. Reference is made to United States Patent No. 7,553,353 to Lepage for a discussion of the angled edge.
  • Figs. 71, Ii, 7K and 7L are modified tubes, called bladed tubes, incorporating sharp edges similar to those of Fig. 7E to 7H provided on circular tubes.
  • the tubes are electrically conductive.
  • the edge may be formed by an extruded part or simply by adding a clip, such as a conductive thin blade, to the circular tube (the clip is not shown).
  • Figs. 7M and 7M are variants of the bladed tubes shown in Figs. 71 to 7L in which there are provided a plurality of blade elements together forming the sharp edge.
  • the blade elements are shown in a variant embodiment in which they are not straight but slightly twisted to induce a rotating movement of the air flow. This is to improve the mixing of ozone with the airflow.
  • Fig. 70 shows a typical cross section of a machined hole or slot.
  • Fig. 8 shows another example embodiment of an air processing system 800.
  • the air filter is an ionic air purifier 840 and the processing system 800 further comprises an air processing stage, i.e. a heat exchanger 822, disposed downstream of the ionic air purifier 840, that is, between the ionic air purifier 840 and the catalytic converter 430.
  • the air processing system 800 is otherwise similar to the processing system 400 of Fig. 2, and accordingly, only the ionic air purifier 840 will be described.
  • the ionic air purifier 840 comprises a filter element 820 such as foam, fiber pad, multi-plied folded filter paper, folded volume and membrane, disposed in-between two grid- shaped electrodes 842, 844 such that air and ozone circulate through the first electrode 842, the filter element 840 and the second electrode 844.
  • the electrodes 842, 844 are so shaped as to show no significant resistance to the air and ozone circulating.
  • the electrodes 842, 844 are connected to a high voltage source so as to generate an electric field through the filter 840.
  • the high voltage source is generated in the ozone generating unit 426 and connected to power the electrodes 842, 844.
  • the filtrating membrane of the filter 820 is made of dielectric fiber material which, under the electric field, locally amplifies the electric field on its surface due to the small cross-section and geometry of its fiber material.
  • the amplified electrical field at the close vinicity of the fiber surface due to electric field across the filter 820 is thus used to increase the capture of particles by the filter 820, including biological contaminents and possible endotoxins released by their destruction.
  • Charges or ions generated by the electrodes 842, 844 attach to particles in the air.
  • the electrodes 844, 842 may also be mounted in parallel with the air flow, i.e. on opposite sides of the conduit formed by the enclosure 414, with the filter 820 in- between. In this case, the air and ozone do not need to flow through the electrodes.
  • the filter element 820 can be a folded-type air filter, the folding increasing the filtering surface. It is however noted that other types of filters, such as flat, volume foam, or quasi random fiber matrix may also be used.
  • the filter 820 should be a minimum spacing between the filter 820 and each electrode 842, 844 in order to prevent electrical breakdown of the voltage at the electrodes 842, 844.
  • the upstream electrode 842 should be referenced to the ground (OV) potential with respect to the down stream electrode 844, the downstream electrode 844 therefore being the live one. This arrangement will avoid a possible electrical shock.
  • the high voltage source should be turned off and a secondary safety interlock, using a detection mechanism, should cut off the high voltage source, when the filter element 840 is being serviced.
  • Ozone distributed at the input of the ionic air purifier 840 continues to flow through the heat exchanger 822 before reaching the catalytic converter 430. Therefore, the generated ozone also decontaminates the heat exchanger 822 in which accumulated humidity may result in bacteria, mould or fungus proliferation.
  • the enclosure 414 ensures that the air conduit is sealed such that no air or ozone can exit the air processing system 800 without passing through the catalytic converter 430.
  • the ozone distributor 428 may also serve as an electrode, replacing the first electrode 842 of the system 800.
  • the tube may be fitted with a sharp blade aligned along the airflow (see fig. 7) to effectively operate as a corona discharge electrode.
  • the tips of the bladed tube or the wing-shaped electrode will locally amplify the electrical field, due to their geometries such that electrons will be released from the bladed tube or the wing electrodes at their sharp edges when the bladed tube or the wing-shaped electrodes are of negative polarity with respect to the other electrode 844.
  • the release electrons will eventually attach themselves to contaminants and particulates. These charged contaminants will then be more easily captured by the dielectric fiber of the filter thus increasing further the filter efficiency.
  • the ozone bladed tube or wing shaped wing distributor are positive with respect to the other electrode 844, positive species will be formed with similar end result improvement.
  • Fig. 9 shows an example of such an alternate embodiment.
  • the system shown is very similar to that of Fig. 8.
  • the upstream electrode 842 has been removed.
  • the ozone distribution system 928 has tubes 934 shaped to act as an electrode thereby avoiding the use of an upstream electrode.
  • Ozone distribution system 928 is now connected to high voltage source 426.
  • Fig. 9B shows a detail of a proposed shape for ozone distribution tubes 934 which have a sharp edge acting as a corona electrode.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example application for an HEPA filter that is an integral part of an aircraft air recirculation system.
  • Figure 10 presents the case of an HEPA Filter with an added VOC Catalyst.
  • Existing Plenum 1062 is used to hold down a standard HEPA filter 1020 and a VOC Catalyst Matrix 1044 used to process VOC (Volatile Organic Compound).
  • VOC Volatile Organic Compound
  • the HEPA filter 1020 and the VOC catalyst matrix 1044 form the Air Processing system to be decontaminated.
  • the air flow direction is from top to bottom and is produced by a blower aspiration, not shown, located further down inside the Existing Plenum 1062.
  • Fig. 10 includes Fig. 1OA and Fig. 1OB which illustrate the same HEPA filter, Fig. 1OB being an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1OA.
  • This particular embodiment of the invention is made to be mounted and secured to the existing plenum 1062 in lieu of the standard HEPA filter 1020 with the addition of a VOC catalyst 1044.
  • the temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, the absolute ambient pressure sensor and the ambient ozone sensor used to control the corona generator (ozone tube) parameters are not shown. They are located behind the Air Inlet 1052 of the ozone generator 1026. For the same reason, two other possible ozone sensors, one used to monitor the operational ozone level inside the unit and another one located at the plenum level to provide the ozone level of the air exiting the system are not shown. Finally, all the gaskets used for air tightness between the various elements are not shown.
  • the Ozone Distribution system 1028 is made from hollow tubes, in this case, square cross-sectional tubes, soldered together to form a rigid frame, referred to as an Ozone Manifold 1058, having the tubes internally interconnected together to allow the ozone to circulate freely inside them. Smaller perforated tubes 1034, in this case circular tubes, are connected to the ozone manifold 1058 to distribute uniformly the ozone over the surface of filter 1020.
  • the Ozone Manifold 1058 has a Pneumatic Inlet Connector 1042 to interconnect the Ozone Generator outlet (not shown) of the Ozone Generator 1026 to the Pneumatic Inlet Connector 1042 using a hose or a semi rigid tubing 1050.
  • a Casing 1048 is made to fit and latch in the Existing Plenum 1062 using connectors 1064, 1068, 1070 and to allow the insertion of the Filter 1020 together with the VOC Catalyst Matrix 1044.
  • the Ozone Catalyst 1046 is installed and secured at the bottom of the Casing 1048.
  • a protective grid (not shown) is attached to the external side of the Casing 1048 to mechanically protect the Ozone Catalyst 1046.
  • the Ozone Manifold 1028 is provided with clips 1056 that work in conjunction with the corresponding locking latches 1060, located on the Casing 1048, to firmly secure the assembly. The assembly is mechanically secured and restrained.
  • the Ozone Generator unit 1026 incorporates a small Air Pump (not shown) taking its air through an Air Inlet 1052. The air is pumped toward the Corona Generator and the generated ozone is then pushed toward the Ozone Distribution 1028 through the interconnecting hose or a semi rigid tubing 1050. The power to supply the Ozone Generator unit 1026 and the external controls signals for the alarm signaling and the fans operation status are provided via the Connector 1054.
  • the system is installed using the original latches, on the original plenum and provides all the benefits of the present invention with a minimal added height and weight.
  • the filter airflow is rated to, for example, 0.212 cubic meter per second or 450 CFM (Cubic feet per minute).
  • the filter dimensions are, for example, 350 X 650 X 105 mm.
  • the filter initial pressure drop is of the order of, for example, 400 Pa at rated airflow.
  • the added pressure drop by the System is of the order of, for example, 10% (without the VOC Catalyst).
  • the ozone generator has a rated capacity to produce, for example, 10 mg of ozone per minute under standard sea level conditions.
  • the system is controlled to operate in regulation to provide, for example, 5 mg of ozone per minute that is 50% of the generator capacity.
  • the pump has a capacity to deliver up to, for example, 50 cc (centimeter cube) per second.
  • the 5 mg of ozone per minute once mixed with the incoming airflow produce an ozone concentration of, for example, 0.250 ppm (part per million) in the system to be decontaminated at rated airflow.
  • the ozone generation is controlled by adjusting the AC excitation voltage on the corona tube.
  • the maximum allowable excitation voltage is set by taking into account the local air density provided by the absolute ambient air pressure and the temperature. As the air density decreases the maximum corona excitation voltage is reduced accordingly (see, for example, United States Patent No. 7,553,353 to Lepage).
  • the excitation voltage can be further adjusted according to the ambient relative humidity and temperature as long as the desired voltage does not exceed the maximum allowable voltage based on the air density. As the relative humidity or temperature of the ambient air (or both) increase, the excitation voltage is increased, up to the maximum allowable voltage, based on the current air density, accordingly to maintain a constant ozone output. [00106]
  • the ozone production is turned off if the ventilators in the plenum are not powered on and a corresponding alarm is given.
  • Another alarm will be given if the measured ozone level at the output of the system is above a certain threshold level, for example 0.04 ppm, and the ozone generator will be turned off if the detected level reaches another threshold level, for example 0.08 ppm, and another alarm will be given.
  • An alarm will be given if the ambient air intake ozone level reaches still another threshold level, for example 0.15 ppm signaling that there may be an ozone leak from the system. If the air intake ozone level reaches still another threshold level, for example 0.25 ppm for more than a certain time duration, for example one minute, the ozone generator will be turned off for at least another duration of time, for example 30-60 minutes.
  • the discharged air at the output of the system has a concentration of residual ozone of for example less 0.02 ppm.
  • the unit will also lower significantly any ozone level present in the ambient air intake once the air will have been passing through the system.
  • This unit consumes less than for example 30 W of power.
  • the added weight by the system (excluding the Filter and VOC Catalyst) is, for example, less than 2.8 Kg.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Central Air Conditioning (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système et un procédé qui utilisent de l'ozone pour décontaminer un système de traitement de l'air. Un système de distribution d'ozone est placé à l'entrée d'un système de traitement de l'air. L'ozone est produit de façon externe, dans un générateur d'ozone. Un convertisseur catalytique est placé en aval du système de traitement de l'air pour reconvertir l'ozone gazeux en oxygène avant de libérer l'air dans l'environnement. L'ozone circule en continu d'une extrémité à l'autre de tout le système de traitement de l'air pendant l'utilisation du système de traitement de l'air de sorte qu'il sert d'inhibiteur biologique qui décontamine en continu le système de traitement de l'air pendant l'utilisation.
PCT/IB2010/052008 2009-05-07 2010-05-06 Système et procédé pour la décontamination d'un système de traitement de l'air WO2010128480A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17617809P 2009-05-07 2009-05-07
US61/176,178 2009-05-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010128480A2 true WO2010128480A2 (fr) 2010-11-11
WO2010128480A3 WO2010128480A3 (fr) 2010-12-29

Family

ID=43050569

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2010/052008 WO2010128480A2 (fr) 2009-05-07 2010-05-06 Système et procédé pour la décontamination d'un système de traitement de l'air

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2010128480A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015105852A1 (fr) * 2014-01-08 2015-07-16 Nevoa Life Sciences Appareil pour désinfecter un espace fermé
US10266272B2 (en) 2016-08-16 2019-04-23 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Catalytic ozone removal
EP4218988A1 (fr) * 2022-01-26 2023-08-02 Gtscien Co., Ltd. Dispositif de purification de gaz dangereux avec système de purification intégré

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0431648A1 (fr) * 1989-12-08 1991-06-12 Uop Système pour la réduction de pollution
US5368816A (en) * 1992-04-28 1994-11-29 Kesslertech Gmbh Conditioning air for human use
EP1562646B1 (fr) * 2002-11-22 2006-04-05 Daniel Mertens Procede et dispositif de purification de l'air
US7407633B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2008-08-05 The Johns Hopkins University Method and apparatus for air treatment
US7771672B2 (en) * 2005-12-17 2010-08-10 Airinspace B.V. Air purification device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0431648A1 (fr) * 1989-12-08 1991-06-12 Uop Système pour la réduction de pollution
US5368816A (en) * 1992-04-28 1994-11-29 Kesslertech Gmbh Conditioning air for human use
US7407633B2 (en) * 2001-10-04 2008-08-05 The Johns Hopkins University Method and apparatus for air treatment
EP1562646B1 (fr) * 2002-11-22 2006-04-05 Daniel Mertens Procede et dispositif de purification de l'air
US7771672B2 (en) * 2005-12-17 2010-08-10 Airinspace B.V. Air purification device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015105852A1 (fr) * 2014-01-08 2015-07-16 Nevoa Life Sciences Appareil pour désinfecter un espace fermé
US10188764B2 (en) 2014-01-08 2019-01-29 Nevoa Life Sciences Apparatus for disinfecting an enclosed space
US11135328B2 (en) 2014-01-08 2021-10-05 Nevoa Life Sciences Apparatus for disinfecting an enclosed space
US10266272B2 (en) 2016-08-16 2019-04-23 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Catalytic ozone removal
US10850855B2 (en) 2016-08-16 2020-12-01 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Catalytic ozone removal
EP4218988A1 (fr) * 2022-01-26 2023-08-02 Gtscien Co., Ltd. Dispositif de purification de gaz dangereux avec système de purification intégré

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2010128480A3 (fr) 2010-12-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2164609B1 (fr) Procédé et système pour utiliser un dispositif de génération d'ozone pour la purification de l'air
CA2553088C (fr) Desinfection d'air photoelectrochimique
JP5546630B2 (ja) 微生物・ウイルスの捕捉・不活化装置
WO2013065206A1 (fr) Dispositif et procédé de piégeage et d'inactivation de microorganismes et de virus
US20040166037A1 (en) Air filtration and treatment apparatus
CN107708749B (zh) 用于化学空气污染物的电流体动力增强的破坏和生物剂的空气中灭活的方法
CN106063383A (zh) 空气消毒和污染移除方法与设备
CN104949233A (zh) 一种室内空气净化的方法及装置
US20210236978A1 (en) Air purification device
US20160000960A1 (en) Device for air filtration and purification
WO2015132367A1 (fr) Appareil de traitement de l'air
CA2676654C (fr) Systeme de decontamination d'air
WO2010128480A2 (fr) Système et procédé pour la décontamination d'un système de traitement de l'air
US20210270474A1 (en) Assembly for purifying and for air pollution control and method for controlling such an assembly
JP6278022B2 (ja) 空気清浄装置
CN211892792U (zh) 排风净化装置及救护车
KR101700431B1 (ko) 클러스터 이오나이저와 워터 캐치가 혼합된 하이브리드 멸균시스템 컨트롤 장치 및 방법
JP2000279492A (ja) ガス分解用構造体並びにこれを用いたガス分解装置及び空気調和装置
CN214647478U (zh) 空气过滤组件和车辆的车舱空气通风系统
CN215892695U (zh) 一种中央空调消毒净化装置
CN218544617U (zh) 一种风机盘管及中央空调
US20240001278A1 (en) Central controller for completely cleaning indoor air pollution
US20240003563A1 (en) Method for detecting and cleaning indoor air pollution
US20240003573A1 (en) Conception of locating and completely cleaning indoor air pollution
US20060130662A1 (en) Air filter and method of filtering air in central heating and air conditioning system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 10772082

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 10772082

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2