WO2022182696A1 - Système de filtration hepa - Google Patents

Système de filtration hepa Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022182696A1
WO2022182696A1 PCT/US2022/017417 US2022017417W WO2022182696A1 WO 2022182696 A1 WO2022182696 A1 WO 2022182696A1 US 2022017417 W US2022017417 W US 2022017417W WO 2022182696 A1 WO2022182696 A1 WO 2022182696A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ducts
ducting system
footer
air
hepa
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/017417
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael W. Seitz
Original Assignee
Seitz Michael W
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 Seitz Michael W filed Critical Seitz Michael W
Publication of WO2022182696A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022182696A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/16—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by purification, e.g. by filtering; by sterilisation; by ozonisation
    • F24F3/167—Clean rooms, i.e. enclosed spaces in which a uniform flow of filtered air is distributed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F7/00—Ventilation
    • F24F7/003—Ventilation in combination with air cleaning
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F7/00—Ventilation
    • F24F7/04—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation
    • F24F7/06—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit
    • F24F7/08—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit with separate ducts for supplied and exhausted air with provisions for reversal of the input and output systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
    • F24F8/108—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/24—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using sterilising media
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/24—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using sterilising media
    • F24F8/26—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using sterilising media using ozone

Definitions

  • Saliva and mucus aerosols may contain viable virus populations
  • Viruses in aerosols can remain viable (alive) for several hours;
  • Aerosols can and do remain airborne “indefinitely”; 5. Aerosols will disperse slowly, initially following the natural convection flow in a room and eventually filling an entire enclosed space. Hand-washing, surface-sanitizing, and social-distancing are sensible precautions that potentially reduce exposure to infectious contagions such as influenza (including coronavirus). HOWEVER, in the light of the risks of airborne transmission mechanisms, the most important and logical proactive steps we can take to mitigate cross-contamination is to actively control air convection-currents, along with continuous HEPA filtering of the air in closed indoor spaces.
  • One embodiment of the invention comprises a frame, a ducting system and a HEPA ventilation and filtration unit.
  • the ducting system is attached to the frame.
  • the HEPA ventilation and filtration unit is attached to the ducting system to recirculate filtered air via the ducting system.
  • Figure 1 is a pictorial illustration on one embodiment of the invention, partly in schematic.
  • Figure 2 is a view of the invention as in Figure 1 showing an additional optional feature.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the invention of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is an end view of another invention similar to Figure 1 when in use.
  • Figure 5 is an end view of yet another invention similar to Figure 1 when in use.
  • the essence of the invention is to find a way to achieve the concept of introducing large volumes of filtered air, preferably from above people, and sucking it out of the space at a lower level (close to the floor). This would produce a largely vertical air flow with high volume, preferably at least 12 room volumes per minute, versus a lateral or cross flow circulation pattern with much lower flows, which is most recirculating systems produce. Bottom to top flow could be used if desired.
  • the idea is further advanced by a distribution network of inlets and outlets to create as much coverage as possible, hence the invention relies on ducting.
  • the first aspect is a network of ducts to provide effective downflow ventilation, similar to that created in commercial aircraft, operating theatres and clean rooms.
  • the second aspect of this invention is a simple-to-erect support structure that can hold the ducting in place above the normal space, out of the way.
  • the frames mean that such a safe non-lateral air flow space can be created in a completely open space without requiring support from the building, or it can be erected as a finished compartment-like space without the need to integrate with the existing structure.
  • the ducting and support frames can be erected quickly without reliance on any further lateral or roof support. This means the system is now movable, removable, and infinitely adjustable to accommodate many geometries.
  • a further aspect of the design is achieved by the air being sucked in at near floor level at discrete and selected locations because the design allows the distribution duct network to be attached to the upper portions of the frame, with drop down ducting in desired locations to reach the ground. In this fashion, doorways, walkways and floor obstructions can be avoided.
  • the suction points can be more locally located since sucking is a diffuse process. Blowing in return air from above is however very directional, so the design allows overhead diffusing to occur efficiently, say using perforated spiral ducting of other diffusers that distribute the air over the occupied space. Attached between the suction and blow network is the HEPA filtration machine and the fan. This invention provides a solution to rapid installation and removal of complex ducting networks.
  • the networks in this design are configured SPECIFICALLY to minimize lateral or cross flow and maximize downflow in spaces such as open plan offices, corridors, large gathering places such as waiting rooms, lobbies, classrooms cafeterias etc., any space that may be occupied by people, where infectious clouds of dangerous aerosols are produced and may be inhaled if not pushed towards the ground out of breathing space.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is to provide a localized predominately downflow zone over a bed, for example in a hospital setting, and with several beds in a room, one would have a huge degree of safety.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises:
  • Support stands which means the system can be erected in any large or small booth-like space, including open space within a larger space.
  • the ducting which comprises various elements and functions, and
  • a ventilation/filtration module such as a BlueSky Defender TM model.
  • BlueSky Global One method to implement active air-convection control and continuous HEPA filtration has been developed by BlueSky Global. Its specialized, large-volume industrial air cleaners can be used for hazardous airborne aerosols, pathogens, and dangerous dust with HEPA-rated filters. BlueSky therefore offers a viable and compelling solution for the current challenges relating to the coronavirus pandemic. BlueSky machines are mobile, and can be quickly deployed for temporary use, or as permanent installations for large public spaces. The disclosure of my US patent 10,668,420 issued June 2, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 15 therein is a preferred embodiment of a suitable filtration machine for use herein as the filtrate is captured in a metal housing now referred to as a SmartBoxTM.
  • the SmartBox keeps the contaminated HEPA filters fully encapsulated and sealed inside the box. Infectious pathogens are therefore ONLY handled in a controlled environment, at a qualified medical-waste facility.
  • a medical waste company picks up and replaces a used SmartBox when needed. This process ensures that there is never exposure to the environment or personnel at the facility where a BlueSky machine is operational.
  • the machines developed by BlueSky are designed for large indoor spaces, including spaces such as churches, schools, government buildings, retail stores, pharmacies, hospital waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, military barracks, temporary hospitals - practically any large space where people pass through or linger.
  • spaces such as churches, schools, government buildings, retail stores, pharmacies, hospital waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, military barracks, temporary hospitals - practically any large space where people pass through or linger.
  • careful air-movement management and controlled HEPA-filtering offers the most compelling answer to reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. This is especially true in public spaces that people must frequent in order to continue a semblance of normal life.
  • FIG. 4 The Figures herein show in a schematic way the use of downflow air to control the spread of virus particles.
  • standing partition walls 50 see Figure 4
  • curtains to reduce lateral flow or cross-flow which can be formed from any suitable material, for example, metal, wood, plastic, and or fabric are arranged to form a hallway or booths.
  • Air inlets exhausting filtered air from the filter machine are positioned above the top of the walls, and air exhausts sucking possibly contaminated air back to the filter machine are positioned near floor or ground level, preferably close to a wall so they are out of the way.
  • Downflow in the cells 52, 52’ must be sufficient to be greater than 10 air-cell changes per hours, for example, in the range of 12-20 cell volumes per hour.
  • one embodiment of the invention is in the form of an apparatus 2 comprising a frame 4, a ducting system 6 and HEP A ventilation and filtration unit 8.
  • the ducting system is attached to the frame.
  • the HEPA ventilation and filtration unit is attached to the ducting system in flow communication to recirculate filtered air via the ducting system.
  • the frame is rectilinear and comprises uprights 10 connected by header beams 12 and the ducting system is partially supported by, for example, suspended from, the header beams.
  • the header beams are positioned at least 7 feet from the floor, for example, 7 to 10 feet from the floor.
  • at least one of the uprights and the header beams are of telescoping construction to facilitate erection of the frame in a variety of configurations.
  • the uprights and header beams can be constructed of any suitable material, for example, aluminum.
  • the ducting system comprises a filtered air supply duct 14 and a return air ducting system 16.
  • the return air ducting system comprises a header duct 18, drop ducts 20 and footer ducts 22.
  • the drop ducts connect the header duct to a plurality of footer ducts.
  • the footer ducts can be of smaller diameter than the supply duct or the header duct to facilitate positioning in an out of the way location at or near ground level.
  • the supply and header ducts can be 12 inches in diameter and the footer ducts can be 6 inches in diameter.
  • the filtered air supply duct and the footer ducts are defined by sidewalls and have perforations through the sidewalls for flow of air between them.
  • Perforated ducting is well known in the art.
  • the apertures in perforated ducting measure 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.25 mm) or less, for example, in the range of 1 to 5 mm in diameter.
  • Each of the uprights has an upper end 24 and a lower end 26 and the footer ducts are positioned near the lower ends of the uprights.
  • the downcomers can connect to a midsection of the footer ducts at a right angle in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the downcomers can contain coarse (0.2 to 2 mm) screen filters if desired to protect the HEPA filters.
  • the footer ducts can be connected to the uprights if desired in any manner, for example, by duct support clamps, zip ties, etc..
  • the apparatus generally deployed in a floor area 28 and the frame and the footer ducts are supported on the floor area.
  • the uprights and/or headers can be of telescoping construction 54 to facilitate erection in a preexisting work environment.
  • the ducting can be provided with dampers to permit adjustment and balance of flow if desired.
  • allocated occupation areas 30 (See Figures 4 and 5) are positioned on the floor area located in a substantial air downflow between the perforations in the filtered air supply duct and the perforations in the footer ducts.
  • the air supply duct is preferably located at least 6 feet off the floor, for example, in the range of 7 to 10 feet to avoid being a head-bumping hazard. As indicated in Figure 5, it need not be symmetrically positioned.
  • the allocated occupation areas are preferably swept by large volumes of substantial air downflow, preferably turning over the volume bounded by the frame 10 to 20 times per hour.
  • the allocated occupation areas can be occupied by beds 56, workstations 58, work tables 60, voting booths, etc., or simply indicated by floor markings.
  • the downcomers can be angled from the vertical, as indicated by Figure 4, if needed.
  • the occupation areas can be separated by partitions or curtains as previously mentioned.
  • the invention is especially useful for closed indoor spaces, such as corridors 62, warehouses, plan open- offices, bathrooms, cafeterias, etc.
  • the equipment can be scaled for large indoor spaces, including spaces such as churches, schools, government buildings, retail stores, pharmacies, hospital waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, military barracks, temporary hospitals, practically any large space where people pass through or linger.
  • the HEP A ventilation and filtration unit comprises a fan box 32 above a HEPA filter box 34 and the filtered air supply duct is connected to the fan box and the return air ducting system is connected to the HEPA filter box. See Figure 5.
  • the unit can be in a separate room or out of doors if desired as indicated by partition 33 located between the unit and the area being treated and penetrated by the ducting. See Figure E
  • the filter box is easily fully encapsulated by disconnection of the ducting and sealing the inlets prior to deactivating the blower unit to prepare for haul-away of box 34 and replacement with a fresh box so that infectious pathogens are only handled in a suitable facility. This process ensures that there is never exposure to the environment or personnel at the facility where the unit is deployed.
  • UV-C germicidal bulbs 36 are positioned axially inside the filter cartridges.
  • the upper end of the bulbs are provided with electrical terminals are preferably carried as a unit in a mounting fixture for quick removal.
  • the UV-C lamps are 35.35 inches in length, 0.6 inches in diameter, and have output of 254 nanometers, 95 watts. Intensity at 2 inches is 4,400 pW/cm2.
  • the filter medium is preferably HEPA quality (0.3 micron or less) and air flow is radially inward through the filter wall and then axially along the annulus between the filter wall and the germicidal bulb to the cartridge outlet.
  • sterilizing gas can be introduced into the mid- section of the unit at 38, for cell or room decontamination after operating hours.
  • Chlorine dioxide or Ozone are examples of gases that can be circulated though the cell or room by the unit to any destroy microorganisms present.
  • the bottom chamber is the filtration chamber, preferably fitted with HEPA filter cartridges.
  • the top section is the blower section, for return of treated air.
  • the central section is for attachment of additional filtration units by ducting, or for connecting sterilization gases for treating a room, for example.
  • the tubular filters are preferably rated at MERV 17 (HI 3) (99.97% effectiveness for particles 0.3 microns or larger) or MERV 19 (H14) (99.99% effectiveness of particles 0.3 microns or larger).
  • a BlueSky unit can be employed to filter air in a field hospital.
  • the outlet vents for incoming filtered air are overhead, and the takeup vents for air returning to the BlueSky unit are through the wall of the footer duct which is positioned at or near floor level.
  • a single large BlueSky unit typically has 20,000 cfm capacity, which is adequate for turning over the air in a ward of about 3,000 square feet once per minute.
  • an air filtration rate with HEPA filters in the range of 10 to 20 whole-room air exchanges per hour will give good results.
  • the downdraft ventilation system can be adapted for use where patients are treated in close proximity, such as dental, ophthalmological, ICU and surgical facilities.
  • the patients can be isolated in individual air-downflow cells by partition walls or curtains if desired.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ventilation (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif de ventilation et de filtration comprend un cadre, un système de conduites et une unité de ventilation et de filtration HEPA. Le système de conduites est fixé au cadre. L'unité de ventilation et de filtration HEPA est fixée au système de conduites en communication fluidique pour faire recirculer l'air filtré par l'intermédiaire du système de conduites.
PCT/US2022/017417 2021-02-23 2022-02-23 Système de filtration hepa WO2022182696A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163152481P 2021-02-23 2021-02-23
US63/152,481 2021-02-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022182696A1 true WO2022182696A1 (fr) 2022-09-01

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ID=83049645

Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US2022/017417 WO2022182696A1 (fr) 2021-02-23 2022-02-23 Système de filtration hepa

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WO (1) WO2022182696A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4549472A (en) * 1983-09-29 1985-10-29 Hitachi Ltd. Rearrangeable partial environmental control device
US4929262A (en) * 1987-12-17 1990-05-29 Balon Jr John Down draft re-circulating system
WO2008153455A1 (fr) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-18 Klas Jakobsson Système de purification d'air pour une ou plusieurs pièces, et unité de filtration faisant partie du système de purification d'air
US8827780B1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2014-09-09 Huntair, Inc. Fan coil block and grid configuration system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4549472A (en) * 1983-09-29 1985-10-29 Hitachi Ltd. Rearrangeable partial environmental control device
US4929262A (en) * 1987-12-17 1990-05-29 Balon Jr John Down draft re-circulating system
US8827780B1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2014-09-09 Huntair, Inc. Fan coil block and grid configuration system
WO2008153455A1 (fr) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-18 Klas Jakobsson Système de purification d'air pour une ou plusieurs pièces, et unité de filtration faisant partie du système de purification d'air

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