Modular contaminate capture and sterilization apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for capturing and sterilizing contaminants, such as viruses and the like. Air containing the contaminants is drawn into the apparatus that comprises a housing having a customized number and arrangement of dissimilar treatment chambers to remove a particular contaminate targeted for removal. The treatment chambers are selected from a group of pre manufactured, self-contained chambers that are singularly or in combination inserted into the housing and within an air flow path created by a fan. The group of treatment chambers include a UV chamber, a temperature chamber and an ozone converter chamber. The customized arrangement of treatment chambers are each placed in the air flow path and programmed to provide customized sterilization of any type of contaminate while persons are present in the space being treated.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention[0001]Example embodiments in general relate to an apparatus and system to capture and treat or sterilize airborne contaminants. In particular the apparatus and system captures and kills viruses, insects, microorganisms, pollution or other contaminants in the air using a self-contained and customized number and arrangement of treatment chambers, each of which can be independently programmed to change, in a closed loop setting, treatment intensity and duration as well as the volume, direction and duration of an air flow through each chamber while people are present in the space being treated.2. Description of Related Art[0002]Indoor air often contains contaminants that are harmful to the health and safety of its occupants. For example, air can be contaminated with pollution such as dust, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and other harmful gases that can cause respiratory diseases. Air can also be contaminated with bacteria, insects, microorganisms or od...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus for capturing and sterilizing contaminated air in various spaces, such as buildings or outdoors. The apparatus is portable and includes a housing with a removable wheel for easy placement in different spaces. It can be customized with different treatment chambers based on the type of contaminant being treated. The apparatus includes a UV chamber, a temperature chamber, or an ozone converter chamber, or a combination of these. The apparatus can also include sensors to detect the amount of treatment being applied and adjust the treatment accordingly. Overall, the apparatus provides a convenient and effective solution for capturing and sterilizing contaminated air.

Problems solved by technology

Indoor air often contains contaminants that are harmful to the health and safety of its occupants.

For example, air can be contaminated with pollution such as dust, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and other harmful gases that can cause respiratory diseases.

Air can also be contaminated with bacteria, insects, microorganisms or odors that are not only noxious but harmful to people in general.

Air can be contaminated with viruses that can cause illness in humans.

While partially effective, the impact of chemical treatment may cause its own problems.

Introducing caustic chemicals is not only dangerous but is only partially effective and may negatively contribute to problems of unwanted odors.

However, heat must be passed throughout the room, temporarily preventing occupants in the room during treatment.

Also, to make the room habitable, the significant amount of heat applied to the room proves costly to remove.

However, due to the harmful effects of the high UV intensity needed to kill viruses, people must be evacuated from the room before and during activation of the UV lamp.

Ozone introduced throughout a large space such as a room or building is difficult and expensive to thereafter gather, remove and / or convert back to habitable oxygen (O2) levels.

Whether treatment involves chemicals, heat or UV radiation, the treatment itself often proves harmful to anyone present during the treatment, or afterwards.

The presence of the treatment agent in large spaces is difficult and expensive to thereafter remove to a level acceptable to human habitation.

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