System and method for pre-treating and disinfecting waste

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for pre-treating and disinfecting waste, in particular potentially infectious medical waste, characterized in that the system comprises: • a transport line configured to move the waste and comprising a conveying device; • a heating device configured to heat at least a portion of the waste as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line, and wherein the system comprises a tunnel that seals at least a portion of the transport line of the waste in a gas-tight manner, and wherein the system further comprises an ozone injection device configured to apply ozone on at least a portion of the waste as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for pre-treating and disinfecting waste.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste and in particular potentially infectious medical waste (PIMW). The present invention is particularly advantageously applied in the field of PIMW pre-treatment and disinfection. BACKGROUND

[0002] There are very many PIMW pre-treatment and disinfection systems in the prior art. Typically, these systems comprise a waste shredding device and a waste heating device, and often the two devices form a single device, for example for heating during shredding. Thus, document WO2013110900 A1 is known, which describes a PIMW pre-treatment and disinfection machine comprising a tank mounted on a frame, a shredding device mounted at the bottom of the tank and a device for heating the waste to disinfect the waste. The heating device comprises a microwave generator connected to the tank by a waveguide, so that the waste is heated in the tank in which it is shredded.

[0003] In fact, for compactness and efficiency purposes, it is common to generate heating by microwaves and to heat the waste in the shredding tank.

[0004] However, one of the main problems that can be encountered with pre-treatment and disinfection systems relates to the disinfection of the areas of the system in contact with the waste before pre-treating and disinfecting the waste.

[0005] In the prior art, it is for example necessary to periodically dismount the devices for feeding and discharging the waste to disinfect them.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution to this problem.

[0007] Furthermore, a medical waste treatment system is known from patent publication WO 2013 / 096782 A2. The described technology comprises a waste transport line. However, the management of this line, in particular of the air of the chambers of this line, is not optimal.

[0008] Other subjects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from studying the following description and the annexed drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be combined. SUMMARY

[0009] To achieve this object, according to an embodiment, a system for pre-treating and disinfecting waste, in particular potentially infectious medical waste, is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0010] a. a transport line configured to move the waste between an inlet area and a discharge area of the system, and comprising a conveying device configured to move the waste along at least a portion of the transport line,

[0011] b. a heating device configured to heat at least a portion of the waste as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line,

[0012] wherein the system comprises a channel sealing at least a portion of the transport line of the waste in a gas-tight manner, the conveying device being housed in said channel, said channel comprising an inlet for the waste and an outlet for the waste, and

[0013] the system further comprises an ozone injection device configured to apply ozone on at least a portion of the waste as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line.

[0014] The present solution makes it possible to optimize the disinfection of the waste, in particular PIMW. The present solution makes it possible to ensure that the waste at the outlet is inert and considered as domestic waste.

[0015] The present invention makes it possible to disinfect at least a portion of the elements that make up the system, in particular the channel. The present invention enables the user to work safely during, for example, maintenance. Indeed, ozone makes it possible to disinfect the various areas of the system in which ozone circulates. Ozone makes it possible to efficiently disinfect, for example, the shredder or the feeding funnel or the channel during use of the system.

[0016] Cleverly, ozone makes it possible to disinfect the entire channel. Thus, at the end of production, the present invention makes it possible to disinfect the channel, for example by continuing to inject ozone, to disinfect the entire channel and to enable the user to carry out the necessary maintenance and operations in complete safety.

[0017] The present solution makes it possible to reduce or eliminate odors by the oxidizing power of ozone, thus making it easier to integrate the equipment. Finally, the present invention makes it possible to at least partially remove air pollutants that have a high pollution risk when shredding containers / bags of infectious waste, for example in a hospital.

[0018] Cleverly, the present solution combines heat and ozone synergistically to obtain additional disinfection of the waste. Ozone has a surface disinfection capacity and penetrates into the interior of the waste material depending on the texture of the waste material, while heat enables the temperature of the waste to be raised and disinfects the waste.

[0019] Another aspect relates to a method for pre-treating and disinfecting waste, in particular potentially infectious medical waste, comprising at least the following steps implemented by a system according to the present solution:

[0020] ■ moving the waste in the channel along the transport line by means of conveying means, the channel sealing in a gas-tight manner at least a portion of the waste transport line;

[0021] ■ heating the waste moving in the channel by means of at least one heating means;

[0022] ■ before or during the two previous steps, applying ozone on at least a portion of the waste moving along the transport line by means of ozone injection means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The objects, subjects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A pre-treating and disinfecting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0025] The figure is given by way of example and does not limit the present invention. The figure represents a schematic conceptual diagram intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and is not necessarily to scale in terms of actual application. In particular, the dimensions do not represent the actual situation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Before starting the detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, in the following optional features are listed which can be used in combination or in alternative.

[0027] According to an example, the system comprises at least one extraction means configured to extract at least a portion of air contained in the channel from a first zone of the channel.

[0028] This makes it possible to manage the amount of ozone present in the channel by analyzing parameters such as hydrometry / temperature, etc.

[0029] According to an example, the extraction means are configured to analyze at least one parameter of the air taken from each of the following: hydrometry, temperature, ozone concentration.

[0030] According to an example, the extraction means are configured to at least partially reinject said portion of air from a second zone of the channel.

[0031] ■ This makes it possible to pre-heat the waste and to reuse at least a portion of the injected ozone.

[0032] This makes it possible to reduce the heating power required to reach the predetermined sterilization temperature.

[0033] According to an example, the portion of air extracted is a gas mixture comprising at least a portion of the ozone injected by the injection means, and at least one other gas.

[0034] According to an example, the first zone is located at the outlet of the channel, and the second zone is located at the inlet of the channel.

[0035] This makes it possible to preheat the waste before it is heated by the heating means.

[0036] According to an example, the system comprises at least one agitation means for agitating, the agitation means being arranged upstream of the inlet of the channel, along the direction of transport of the waste passing through the inlet then through the outlet.

[0037] This makes it possible to agitate or pulverize the waste before it enters the channel, in order to increase the exchange surface area with the ozone and the heat generated by the heating means.

[0038] According to an example, the agitation means are pulverization means for the waste.

[0039] According to an example, the ozone is injected into the agitation means and / or upstream of the agitation means, along the direction of transport of the waste passing through the inlet then through the outlet.

[0040] This makes it possible to sterilize the agitation means and to remove the air pollutants generated during the agitation phase, preferably the grinding phase.

[0041] According to an example, the system comprises at least one feeding funnel, the feeding funnel being arranged upstream of the agitation means, along the direction of transport of the waste passing through the inlet then through the outlet, and the injection means being configured to inject ozone at the feeding funnel.

[0042] This makes it possible to at least partially sterilize the waste in the feeding funnel before the agitation, preferably before the pulverization.

[0043] According to an example, the injection means are configured to inject ozone at the waste inlet zone.

[0044] This makes it possible to sterilize the elements of the transport line from the inlet zone to the outlet of the channel.

[0045] According to an example, the injection means are configured to inject ozone at the inlet of the channel.

[0046] According to an example, the transport line has a sloping portion with respect to the horizontal plane, such that a portion of this sloping portion is located at a lower height than another portion of this sloping portion with respect to said horizontal plane.

[0047] According to an example, the conveying device is sloped with respect to the horizontal plane in the direction of movement of the waste.

[0048] According to an example, the conveying device comprises at least a first conveyor and a second conveyor.

[0049] According to an example, the first conveyor and the second conveyor have a height offset H with respect to each other, such that the waste arriving at the end of the travel portion of the first conveyor falls onto the second conveyor.

[0050] This makes it possible to achieve a stirring effect on the waste in the passage, in order to change the orientation of the waste with respect to the ozone and the heating device.

[0051] According to an example, the system comprises at least one sensor configured to measure the ozone concentration in the air outside the passage.

[0052] This makes it possible to ensure safety and to assess the risk of ozone leakage.

[0053] According to an example, the system comprises at least one sensor configured to measure the ozone concentration in the passage and preferably the specific gravity level.

[0054] This makes it possible to regulate the amount of ozone present in the passage.

[0055] According to an example, the device for injecting ozone is configured such that the ozone concentration in the passage is at least equal to several grams per cubic meter.

[0056] According to an example, the heating system comprises at least one microwave generator.

[0057] According to an example, the heating system comprises a plurality of microwave generators.

[0058] According to an example, the heating device comprises at least a plurality of microwave generators, said plurality of microwave generators having associated waveguides to convey the microwaves generated in the microwave generators into the passage.

[0059] According to an example, the heating device comprises at least a plurality of microwave generators and a plurality of waveguides configured to convey the microwaves generated by the microwave generators into the passage, preferably each waveguide of said plurality of waveguides being associated with a microwave generator of said plurality of microwave generators.

[0060] According to an example, the heating device comprises at least a plurality of microwave generators and a plurality of associated waveguides configured so that the generated microwaves are distributed in the passage along the transport line.

[0061] According to an example, the heating device is configured so that the generated microwaves are distributed in the passage along the transport line. Advantageously, the microwaves have a core disinfection capacity that spreads out from the center of the waste material. This makes it possible to heat the waste uniformly along the passage.

[0062] According to an example, the step of applying ozone is performed before and / or simultaneously with the heating step. Advantageously, ozone has a surface disinfection capacity. Thus, by associating heating, preferably by microwaves for core disinfection of the waste, and the application of ozone for surface disinfection, the disinfection performance is optimized.

[0063] According to an example, before the step of circulating, the method comprises a step of agitating, preferably shredding, the waste by means of an agitation device, preferably a shredding device.

[0064] According to an example, the method comprises at least one step of extracting at least a portion of the air contained in the passage from a first zone of the passage.

[0065] According to an example, after the step of extracting, the method comprises at least one step of reinjecting the portion removed from the air from a second zone of the passage.

[0066] According to an example, the second zone of the passage comprises at least one air lock, preferably at least one intermediate hopper, and the extraction is configured to at least partially inject the air portion into the air lock.

[0067] The present invention can be applied in the field of pre-treatment and disinfection of waste, in particular potentially infectious medical waste (PIMW). Ingeniously, the present invention makes it possible to treat a large quantity of water, and preferably successively, and advantageously continuously. The present invention also makes it possible to disinfect the waste and at least part of the pre-treatment and disinfection system simply, quickly and reliably.

[0068] Indeed, according to the present invention and as shown in Figure 1 the pre-treatment and disinfection system 100 of waste 10 comprises:

[0069] a. a transport line 101 of waste 10;

[0070] b. preferably, a heating device 120;

[0071] c. a channel 130 which seals, in an airtight manner, at least a portion of the transport line 101 ;

[0072] d. an ozone injection device 140;

[0073] e. preferably an extraction device 150;

[0074] f. preferably an agitation device 160.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the transport line 101 of waste 10 is configured to move the waste 10 through the pre-treatment and sterilization system 100. The transport line 101 of waste 10 is configured to move the waste 10 between an inlet area 102 and an outlet area 103 of the system 100 according to the application. A part of the transport is sequential, for example moving the waste in successive batches. This can be the case for example during shredding. Another part of the line 101 can be moved continuously. This can be the case during conveying operations.

[0076] Preferably, this transport line 101 can comprise a conveying line 110 of waste 10. Advantageously, the conveying device 110 is configured to move the waste 10 along at least a portion of the transport line 101. According to an embodiment, the conveying device can comprise one or more conveyors. Generally, such a conveyor can comprise a belt on the top surface of which the waste is placed during transport and a device for driving the belt, for example in the form of rollers; the belt forming a continuous assembly which rotates in a loop.

[0077] Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the conveying device 110 comprises a first conveyor 111 and a second conveyor 112. Said conveyors 111 and 112 can be of the same type or have different conveying mechanisms. Cleverly, the first conveyor 111 and the second conveyor 112 are arranged relative to each other so as to be able to agitate the waste, in particular to reposition the waste 10 in space. Thus, this makes it possible to move the waste 10 and to improve the contact of the waste 10 with the air 133 of the channel 130 and therefore with the ozone. This makes it possible to also improve the heating homogeneity of the waste 10 when it moves in the channel 130.

[0078] For example, as Figure 1As shown in the figures, the first conveyor 111 and the second conveyor 112 can be arranged with respect to each other so that, when the waste 10 reaches the end of the running portion of the first conveyor 111, the waste 10 falls onto the second conveyor 112, this falling enabling the agitation of the waste 10. The end of the first conveyor 111 can thus be arranged perpendicular to the start of the second conveyor 112, for example, preferably the end of the first conveyor 111 can be arranged perpendicular to the start of the second conveyor 112 according to a height dimension H greater than 20 cm, advantageously greater than 50 cm.

[0079] According to the preferred embodiment, therefore, at the mid-point of the waste 10 in the passage 130, the first conveyor 111 unloads the waste onto the second conveyor 112 to perform the mixing function and to optimize the penetration of ozone and microwaves into the waste. This thus makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the pre-treatment and sterilization.

[0080] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the first conveyor 111 and / or the second conveyor 112 can be inclined with respect to each other and / or can be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Figure 1 As shown in the figures, the first conveyor 111 and the second conveyor 112 can be arranged with respect to each other so that, when the waste 10 reaches the end of the running portion of the first conveyor 111, the waste 10 falls onto the second conveyor 112, this falling enabling the agitation of the waste 10. The end of the first conveyor 111 can thus be arranged perpendicular to the start of the second conveyor 112, for example, preferably the end of the first conveyor 111 can be arranged perpendicular to the start of the second conveyor 112 according to a height dimension H greater than 20 cm, advantageously greater than 50 cm.

[0081] Preferably, the inclination is configured so that the outlet of the waste on the conveyor is lower in height than the inlet of the waste. The inclination of the conveyors can be the same. Advantageously, in order to prevent the descent of the waste under gravity on the conveyor, the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane can be chosen to be less than 10°.

[0082] According to the embodiment, the heating device 120 is configured to heat at least a portion of the waste 10 while the goods 10 are moving along at least a portion of the transport line 101, preferably in the passage 130. Advantageously, this heating device 120 can comprise one or more microwave generators and / or comprise one or more waveguides. Preferably, the heating device 120 is configured to heat at least a portion of the waste 10 to a temperature greater than 100°C.

[0083] Preferably, the at least a portion that is heated is performed during the conveying. This does not exclude that heating is additionally or alternatively performed at other locations of the transport line 101, for example during the pulverization.

[0084] In Figure 1 According to the preferred embodiment, the heating device 120 comprises a plurality of microwave generators 121 arranged along the passage 130 to enable uniform irradiation of at least a portion of the waste 10 passing through the passage 130.

[0085] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the first conveyor 111 and / or the second conveyor 112 can be inclined with respect to each other and / or can be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Figure 1As illustrated in FIG. 1, the plurality of microwave generators 121 can be distributed at different locations around the conveyor 110 to irradiate the waste 10 from above and below and / or from one side and the other side during the transport of the waste 10 in at least a portion of the channel 130.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the channel 130 of waste 10 comprises an inlet 131 of waste 10 and an outlet 132 of waste 10. Preferably, the conveyor 110 is housed in the channel 130. Ingeniously, the first conveyor 111 is positioned to directly receive the waste 10 that enters, preferably falls, via the inlet 131 of the channel 130.

[0087] Ingeniously, the second conveyor 112 is positioned to expel, preferably drop, the waste 10 towards the outlet 132.

[0088] Advantageously, this channel 130 defines an air-tight volume around the transport line 101. Thus, and preferably, the air 133 present in this volume is intended to be confined in this volume with respect to the outside of the channel 130.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the ozone injection device 140 is configured to inject ozone into the air 133 of the channel 130, preferably the ozone injection device 140 is configured to inject a predetermined amount of ozone into the air 133 of the channel 130. Advantageously, the injection device 140 is configured to apply ozone, preferably a predetermined amount of ozone, on at least a portion of the waste 10 while the waste 10 is in the channel 130.

[0090] Preferably, the injection device 140 is configured to inject ozone into the channel 130 at the inlet 131 of the waste 10. In the present description, the expression "at" can be understood as "into"; for example, injecting a gas at a device means injecting said gas into at least a portion of the volume defined by at least a portion of said device.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the injection device 140 is configured to inject ozone into one third, preferably one fourth, of the length of the transport line 101 located in the channel 130.

[0092] As Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the injection device 140 can also inject ozone at the air lock 170 that separates the intake area 102 from the inlet 131 of the channel 130.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the agitation device 160 is arranged upstream of the inlet 131 of the channel 130, for example before the air lock 170. In the present description, the direction of transport of the waste is considered as going through the inlet 101 of the system and then through the outlet 102 of the system. This agitation device 160 can for example be a shredder. This agitation device 160 is configured to agitate or shred the waste 10. Preferably, the agitation device 160 is used to shred the waste 10 before it enters the channel 130.

[0094] Advantageously, and according to an embodiment, when the air lock 170 is closed, preferably by means of a lid for example, ozone is injected at the air lock 170 to disinfect the air pollutants generated during the agitation, preferably shredding, of the waste.

[0095] According to a further embodiment, compatible with the previous one, ozone is injected downstream of the agitation device 160, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0096] According to an embodiment, the air lock 170 can comprise a latch opening onto the inlet 131 of the channel 130 or at least partly forming said inlet 131 of the channel 130. Advantageously, when this latch is closed, it is airtight.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the air lock 170 comprises an intermediate funnel. Preferably, the injection device 140 can inject ozone at this intermediate funnel, which serves to inject, preferably continuously, ozone into the channel 130 and thus to disinfect, preferably continuously, the waste moving in the channel 130. Preferably, according to an embodiment, the injected ozone mixed with the air 133 of the channel 130 is circulated in the channel 130 by means of the extraction device 150. Cleverly, when the extraction is stopped, the injection of ozone is automatically stopped.

[0098] According to a further embodiment, ozone is injected into a volume defined by at least a part of the agitation device 160. Preferably, the ozone is injected before or during the agitation of the waste 10. According to an embodiment, the agitation device comprises a tank, advantageously airtight, which serves to house the waste 10 during the agitation of the waste 10. Said volume for injecting ozone can be defined by this tank. This makes it possible to expose the waste 10 directly to ozone in the tank of the agitation device 160 and thus to disinfect the inside of the tank.

[0099] ​According to a further embodiment, a feeding funnel 180 is arranged downstream of the agitation device 160. This feeding funnel 180 comprises an air-tight opening, so that the interior of the agitation device 160 is air-tight with respect to the exterior. According to this embodiment, the injection device 140 can then be configured to inject ozone into the feeding funnel 180, so that the waste is in contact with ozone while being agitated, preferably shredded, by the agitation device 160. This makes it possible to sterilize the waste 10 in the feeding funnel 180, preferably at ambient temperature, before agitation. This makes it possible to sterilize the interior of the agitation device 160 and of the feeding funnel 180, preferably continuously, in particular before opening the air lock 170 of the channel 130. Finally, this makes it possible to remove air pollutants in the agitation volume. Preferably, ozone is injected only when the feeding funnel 180 is closed, i.e. when the lid of the feeding funnel 180 opening to the exterior is closed.

[0100] Advantageously, ozone is injected upstream of the agitation device 160.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the feeding funnel 180 comprises a lid, preferably motorized. In the case where ozone is at least partially injected in the feeding funnel 180, i.e. in a volume at least partially delimited by the feeding funnel 180, the injection device 140 is configured to inject ozone in the feeding funnel 180 only when the lid is closed.

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment, ozone is injected upstream and downstream of the agitation device 160, preferably at the agitation device 160 and downstream of the agitation device 160. According to this embodiment, the ozone injection device 140 is configured to inject ozone at the feeding funnel 180 or in the tank of the agitation device 160 before or while the waste is agitated, preferably shredded, and to inject ozone at the intermediate funnel, i.e. at the air lock 170, to supply ozone to the air of the channel 130.

[0103] Cleverly, the ozone injected at the intermediate funnel is at least partially from the re-injection circuit 151.

[0104] Advantageously, the system 100 is configured to receive ozone upstream and downstream of the agitation device 160.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the extraction device 150 is configured to extract at least a portion of the air 133 of the channel 130. Specifically, the extraction device 150 is configured to extract a gaseous mixture of ozone and water vapor. Preferably, the water vapor comes from heating the waste 10. In practice, during heating, at least a portion of the waste 10 generates water vapor. During heating, the waste 10 generates water vapor, which is then at least partially extracted and reinjected into the inlet 131 of the channel 130 to preheat the waste 10. This preheating helps to increase the temperature of the waste 10 moving through the channel 130. This reduces the heating power required to disinfect the waste 10. A portion of the water vapor and ozone then form a hot gaseous mixture. Advantageously, during waste treatment, this hot gaseous mixture has a temperature greater than 70°C, preferably greater than 85°C, and more preferably greater than 100°C.

[0106] Ingeniously, the extraction device 150 is also configured to be able to reinject the removed portion of the air 133 into the channel 130. Advantageously, the extraction device 150 is configured to suck the removed portion at a first region 133 of the channel 130, preferably near or merging with the outlet 132 of the channel 130. And preferably, the extraction device 150 is configured to be able to reinject the removed portion at a second region 134 of the channel 130, preferably near or merging with the inlet 131 or ozone injection region of the channel 134.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the removed portion is reinjected by the injection device 140 .

[0108] exist Figure 1 It will be noted here a reinjection circuit 151 enabling the hot gaseous mixture to flow from the first region 133 of the channel 130 to the second region 134 of the channel 130. According to an embodiment, this reinjection circuit fluidically connects the extraction device 150 to the injection device 140.

[0109] Advantageously, extracting the hot gaseous mixture at the end of the channel 130 and reinjecting it at its beginning makes it possible to preheat the waste 10 entering the channel 130 and thus to reduce the heating power required by the heating device 120 .

[0110] Cleverly, the hot gaseous mixture is reinjected at the feeding funnel or at the agitation means or at the air lock 170 to preheat the waste 10. This makes it possible to limit the heating power required by the heating means 120 to obtain the sterilization phase, which is preferably equal to 100°C. According to this embodiment, the previously injected ozone is thus mixed with this hot gaseous mixture comprising water vapor.

[0111] Thus, when the waste moves in the passage 130, the application makes it possible to expose the waste 10 to a predetermined temperature and to a predetermined ozone level to be able to pre-treat and sterilize the waste 10 and to sterilize inside the passage 130.

[0112] The application also relates to a method for pre-treating and sterilizing waste, in particular potentially infectious medical waste. This method comprises at least the following steps:

[0113] a. The waste 10 is preferably agitated by agitation means 160, which are arranged upstream of the inlet 131 of the passage 130;

[0114] b. The waste 10 is moved in the passage 130 along the transport line 101 by the conveying means 110;

[0115] c. At least a portion of the waste 10 moving in the passage 130 is preferably heated by the heating means 120;

[0116] d. Before or during the preceding steps, ozone is applied on at least a portion of the waste 10 by the injection means 140.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the ozone is applied before or while the waste 10 is heated.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the method also comprises a step of extracting at least a portion of air 133 from the first zone 133 of the passage 130 by the extraction means 150.

[0119] Advantageously, after the extraction step, the method can comprise at least one step of reinjecting said portion removed from the air 133 from the second zone 134 of the passage 130.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the injection of ozone occurs in the agitated volume of the waste 10 in the agitation means 160. Preferably, the injection of ozone occurs before the step of agitating the waste 10 in the agitation means 160.

[0121] Advantageously and preferably, the reinjection of the extracted portion of air 133 takes place at an intermediate funnel arranged between the agitation device 160 and the channel 130.

[0122] Thus, ingeniously, the application uses two methods of disinfection, one based on heating the waste and the other based on the use of ozone. The two methods are preferably, but not limitatively, structured to cooperate together. Ozone has a surface disinfection capacity and penetrates into the interior of the waste according to its texture. Microwaves have a core disinfection capacity that spreads from the center of each waste material outwards.

[0123] Particularly advantageously, ozone makes it possible to at least partially disinfect the interior of the channel. Thus, for example, when there is no waste to heat, it is possible to disinfect the interior of the channel by forming a cycle of injection / extraction / reinjection of ozone in a closed circuit. This then enables the user to carry out the necessary maintenance and operations in complete safety.

[0124] Finally, ozone has the advantage of oxidizing at least part of the odoriferous molecules produced by the waste, thus reducing the nuisance of these odors.

[0125] Thus, the application makes it possible to:

[0126] a. disinfect the waste with the physico-chemical method of ozone and heating, thus making it possible to convert potentially infectious waste into disinfected inert waste;

[0127] b. disinfect the device at the end of the cycle, thus increasing the safety of the user during maintenance;

[0128] c. reduce odors, thus enabling easier integration of the device.

[0129] It should be noted that the application can also comprise safety devices, in particular in compliance with the regulations on ozone emissions in the air, to for example maintain a predetermined average exposure value of ozone less than or equal to 0.1 ppm over 8 hours.

[0130] Thus, the pre-treatment and disinfection system can comprise a safety device configured to measure the concentration of ozone in and / or around the channel, advantageously in real time.

[0131] Preferably, the safety device is configured to manage the injection device, or also the extraction device.

[0132] Preferably, the pre-treatment and disinfection system, in particular the tunnel, is configured to be sealed, so as to reduce or prevent any risk of ozone leakage into the air outside the tunnel. Similarly, preferably, the tunnel is configured to reduce or prevent any leakage of microwaves.

[0133] Cleverly, therefore, the pre-treatment and disinfection system according to the application comprises a warning sensor arranged around the tunnel. Or more generally, the warning sensor is arranged around all the devices of the system.

[0134] Preferably, the pre-treatment and disinfection system comprises at least one air suction device arranged around the tunnel, and advantageously around all the equipment of the system that can have ozone leakage. This makes it possible to suck in any ozone leakage.

[0135] Finally, the application makes it possible to treat a large quantity of waste reliably, quickly and efficiently.

[0136] The application is not limited to the embodiments described above and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

[0137] Reference Signs

[0138] 10 waste

[0139] 100 pre-treatment and disinfection system

[0140] 101 transport line

[0141] 102 inlet zone

[0142] 103 discharge zone

[0143] 110 conveying device

[0144] 111 first conveyor

[0145] 112 second conveyor

[0146] 120 heating device

[0147] 121 microwave generator

[0148] 130 tunnel

[0149] 131 inlet of the tunnel

[0150] 132 outlet of the tunnel

[0151] 133 air of the tunnel

[0152] 134 first zone of the tunnel

[0153] 135 second zone of the channel

[0154] 140 injection means

[0155] 150 extraction means

[0156] 151 re-injection circuit

[0157] 160 stirring / grinding means

[0158] 170 air lock or intermediate hopper

[0159] 180 feeding hopper

[0160] H height deviation.

Claims

1. A system (100) for pre-treating and sterilizing waste (10), the system comprising: • a transport line (101) configured to move the waste (10) between an inlet area (102) and a discharge area (103) of the system (100), and comprising a conveying device (110) configured to move the waste (10) along at least a portion of the transport line (101), • a heating device (120) configured to heat at least a portion of the waste (10) as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line (101), wherein the system (100) comprises a tunnel (130) sealing in a gas-tight manner at least a portion of the transport line (101) of the waste (10), the conveying device (110) being housed in the tunnel (130), the tunnel (130) comprising an inlet (131) for waste (10) and an outlet (132) for waste (10), and wherein the system (100) further comprises an ozone injection device (140) configured to apply ozone on at least a portion of the waste (10) as it moves along at least a portion of the transport line (101), the system (100) comprising at least one extraction device (150) configured to extract at least a portion of air (133) contained in the tunnel (130) from a first area (134) of the tunnel (130), the extraction device (150) being configured to at least partially re-inject the portion of extracted air (133) from a second area (135) of the tunnel (130), the re-injected air portion containing ozone, and wherein the heating device (120) comprises at least a plurality of microwave generators (121) and a plurality of associated waveguides configured so that the generated microwaves are distributed in the tunnel (130) along the transport line (101).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The first area (134) is located at the outlet (132) of the tunnel (130) and the second area (135) is located at the inlet (131) of the tunnel (130).

3. The system (100) of claim 2, wherein, The second area (135) of the tunnel (130) comprises at least one air lock (170), and wherein the extraction device (150) is configured to at least partially re-inject the portion of extracted air (133) into the air lock (170).

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, The air lock (170) comprises at least one intermediate funnel.

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said portion of extracted air (133) is a gas mixture comprising at least a portion of ozone injected by said ozone injection means (140) and at least one other gas.

6. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one agitation device (160) for agitating said waste (10), said agitation device (160) being arranged upstream of said inlet (131) of said passage (130) along the direction of transport of waste (10) through said inlet (131) and then through said outlet (132).

7. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein, Said agitation device (160) is a shredding device of waste (10).

8. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein, Ozone is injected into said agitation device (160) and / or upstream of said agitation device (160) along the direction of transport of waste (10) through said inlet (131) and then through said outlet (132).

9. The system (100) according to claim 6, comprising at least one feeding funnel (180) arranged upstream of the agitating device (160) along the direction of transport of the waste (10) through the inlet (131) and then through the outlet (132), and wherein, Said ozone injection means (140) are configured to inject ozone at said feed hopper (180).

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said ozone injection means (140) are configured to inject ozone at said intake region (102) of said waste (10).

11. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Said ozone injection means (140) are configured to inject ozone at said inlet (131) of said passage (130).

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Said conveying device (110) is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal plane along the direction of movement of said waste (10).

13. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said conveying device comprises at least a first conveyor (111) and a second conveyor (112).

14. The system (100) of claim 13, wherein, Said first conveyor (111) and said second conveyor (112) have a height offset (H) with respect to each other such that said waste (10) reaching the end of the travel of said first conveyor (111) falls onto said second conveyor (112).

15. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said waste (10) is potentially infectious medical waste.

16. A method for pre-treating and disinfecting waste (10), said method comprising the steps of: - moving said waste (10) along a transport line (101) in a passage (130) by means of a conveying device (110), said passage (130) sealing at least a portion of said transport line (101) of said waste (10) in a gas-tight manner; - heating said waste (10) moving in said passage (130) by means of at least one heating device (120), said heating device (120) comprising at least a plurality of microwave generators (121) and a plurality of associated waveguides configured so that the generated microwaves are distributed in said passage (130) along said transport line (101); - before or during the two previous steps, applying ozone on at least a portion of said waste (10) moving along said transport line (101) by means of ozone injection means (140), - before or during the two previous steps, applying ozone on at least a portion of said waste (10) moving along said transport line (101) by means of ozone injection means (140), And the method comprises: at least one extraction step of extracting at least a portion of air (133) contained in the channel (130) from a first region (134) of the channel (130); and at least one re-injection step of re-injecting the portion of extracted air (133) from a second region (135) of the channel (130) after the extraction step, the re-injected air portion containing ozone.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The step of applying ozone is performed before and / or simultaneously with the step of performing heating.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, comprising: Before the step of performing movement, a step of agitating by means of an agitating device (160).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The step of agitating is a step of shredding the waste (10), and wherein the agitating device (160) is a shredding device.

20. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The waste (10) is potentially infectious medical waste.

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