A centralized air disinfection method

Abstract

A centralized air disinfection method includes: introducing the gas to be disinfected into the disinfection section of a centralized air disinfection device; simultaneously, injecting water into a nanoscale liquid atomizing module disposed within the disinfection section, the nanoscale liquid atomizing module comprising multiple layers of water distribution membranes, each water distribution membrane being spaced apart in the vertical direction; each water distribution membrane having a plurality of nanoscale water-permeable pores evenly distributed thereon, the openings of the nanoscale water-permeable pores being located on the lower surface of the water distribution membrane; the water distribution membrane being loaded with catalytic metal particles, the metal particles being distributed at least on the lower surface of the water distribution membrane and at each nanoscale water-permeable pore; through water injection, nanoscale water droplets seep out from the nanoscale water-permeable pores of the water distribution membrane; the nanoscale water droplets are catalyzed in situ to produce hydrogen peroxide, which decomposes to produce ·OH; the gas to be disinfected is disinfected by the ·OH and then discharged into the atmosphere. This invention achieves air disinfection by nano-sizing water in the air, causing it to spontaneously generate ·OH, which is used to kill bacteria and microorganisms in the air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air disinfection, and more specifically to a centralized air disinfection method. Background Technology

[0002] People are paying increasing attention to the effectiveness of removing bacteria and viruses from the air in special enclosed spaces such as high-rise residential buildings, commercial and residential buildings, and hospitals.

[0003] Currently, methods for air disinfection in enclosed spaces can be divided into two types: decentralized energy input and substance addition. For energy-based disinfection, the most common method is to place ultraviolet (UV) lamps in the space, utilizing the irradiation of ultraviolet light for disinfection. However, bacteria and viruses are extremely small solids, existing in a different phase from air, specifically as aerosols. UV irradiation disinfection in air can be considered a gas-solid phase reaction. Gas-solid phase reactions are generally less efficient than reactions in the liquid phase, and the refraction of light by aerosol particles further reduces energy utilization, requiring additional irradiation power to achieve the desired disinfection effect. For substance-based disinfection, the most representative methods are spraying disinfectant alcohol, formalin, or sodium hypochlorite solution into the space, or adding low doses of ozone. However, these disinfectants all have strong, irritating odors, which can easily accumulate in enclosed spaces, causing sensory discomfort to humans and animals. Because the distribution of target pollutants is uneven due to the colorless and transparent airflow, neither energy input nor added substances can be used to adjust the disinfection intensity in real time (e.g., adjusting the number of UV lamps or the frequency of disinfectant spraying). Therefore, decentralized air disinfection in special enclosed spaces has significant limitations. Centralized air disinfection, on the other hand, utilizes the forced ventilation of a fresh air system to periodically draw air from the enclosed space into the ventilation ducts and introduce fresh outside air into the enclosed space. Installing disinfection devices within the ventilation ducts enables highly efficient disinfection.

[0004] Furthermore, introducing the target reaction into the liquid phase can improve reaction efficiency. Due to its indiscriminate and strong oxidizing power, the hydroxyl radical ·OH exhibits highly efficient bactericidal and viral killing effects in a liquid phase at room temperature and pressure, without generating any secondary pollutants. ·OH is mainly generated by breaking the peroxy bond in the precursor, hydrogen peroxide. However, hydrogen peroxide in the liquid phase is primarily produced through external addition. Hydrogen peroxide itself is a potentially explosive substance, posing certain safety risks during storage and transportation; additionally, hydrogen peroxide may partially decompose into oxygen and water during storage, posing a risk of deterioration. Therefore, developing an in-situ hydrogen peroxide generation method that immediately generates ·OH to kill bacteria and viruses, eliminating the risks associated with hydrogen peroxide storage and transportation, is a key technology in the current disinfection industry. Currently, the oxygen two-electron reduction in-situ hydrogen peroxide generation and utilization technology, represented by electro-Fenton, is the mainstream approach. However, the complexity of this technology and the ongoing exploration of electrode material durability limit its further practical application. While adding organic matter, such as hydroxylamine, triacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, can accelerate the in-situ reduction of oxygen two electrons to produce hydrogen peroxide, the dosage cannot be precisely controlled, and it is very easy to cause new organic pollution in the effluent due to overdosing.

[0005] The present invention focuses on nano-sized water in the air to spontaneously generate hydroxyl radicals, which can be used to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a centralized air disinfection method.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A centralized air disinfection method includes:

[0009] The gas to be disinfected is introduced into the disinfection section of the centralized air disinfection device;

[0010] Simultaneously, water is injected into the nanoscale liquid atomizing module located within the disinfection zone. This module comprises multiple layers of water distribution membranes, which are spaced apart vertically. Each water distribution membrane has several nanoscale water-permeable pores evenly distributed on it, with the pore openings located on the lower surface of the membrane. The water distribution membranes are loaded with catalytic metal particles, which are distributed at least on the lower surface of the membranes and at each nanoscale water-permeable pore. Water injection causes nanoscale water droplets to seep out from the nanoscale water-permeable pores of the water distribution membranes.

[0011] Nanoparticles are catalyzed in situ to produce hydrogen peroxide, which then decomposes to produce ·OH. The gas to be disinfected is then disinfected by the ·OH before being released into the atmosphere.

[0012] A further technical solution is to allow the exhaust gas to be returned to the disinfection zone for recirculation through pipelines.

[0013] A further technical solution is to use a pressurized fan to create positive pressure in the gas entering the disinfection zone. This design allows for further disinfection of microorganisms through high pressure (≤30MPa).

[0014] A further technical solution involves filtering the gas to be disinfected before introducing it into the disinfection zone to remove particulate matter. This filtration is achieved through a filtration module located at the gas inlet of the disinfection zone. The filtration module can be a packed filter and / or a spray system. The packing material can be activated carbon, zeolite molecular sieves, etc., used to filter particulate matter. To improve the filtration effect, a spray system can be used for further spray filtration to remove particulate matter and soluble gases from the air.

[0015] A further technical solution involves the effluent from the disinfection zone entering an effluent disinfection tank, where it undergoes further disinfection using ordinary ultraviolet light, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine gas, or bleaching powder to kill any remaining microorganisms. The effluent can then be temporarily stored in an intermediate tank, with most of it being pumped back to the disinfection process in the disinfection zone. The remainder is collected through pipelines and either sent to a wastewater treatment plant or the municipal wastewater treatment system. Since water consumption is inevitable during treatment, some fresh water needs to be added to maintain water balance.

[0016] In a further technical solution, the pore size of the nanoscale water-permeable pores is 0.1 to 100 nanometers.

[0017] In a further technical solution, the metal particles in the water distribution membrane are known transition metal particles, such as Fe2O3 / ZnO, Pd / In2O3, Fe2O3@UiO-66, etc., for confined catalysis.

[0018] A further technical solution involves an inclined water distribution membrane with an angle ranging from 5° to 45°. This inclined design allows droplets on the membrane to collect and drain, enabling products in the water to leave the membrane surface promptly, thus directing the reaction towards the target reaction direction and improving catalytic reaction efficiency.

[0019] In a further technical solution, the nanoscale liquid atomization module may also include a rotating support, on which each of the water distribution films is fixed; the rotating shaft of the rotating support is vertically arranged and located on the center line of the vertical direction of the disinfection section. This accelerates the collection of droplets and their departure from the surface.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. It can disinfect the air in places such as hospitals, and is especially suitable for disinfecting the air in enclosed spaces, removing bacteria and viruses from the air and avoiding the use of disinfectants with irritating odors.

[0022] Second, no additional hydrogen peroxide needs to be added, which reduces operating costs and also eliminates the costs and risks associated with hydrogen peroxide storage and transportation.

[0023] Third, it eliminates the problem of excessive addition of hydrogen peroxide, which can lead to organic pollution, when organic matter is added. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Appendix Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the disinfection section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water distribution membrane combined with the water injection frame in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Appendix Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the water distribution membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the attached diagrams: 1. Disinfection zone; 2. Gas inlet; 3. Gas outlet; 4. Nanoscale liquid atomization module; 5. Water distribution membrane; 6. Nanoscale water-permeable holes; 7. Metal particles; 8. Water injection frame; 9. Water outlet; 10. Filter module; 11. Air distribution plate; 12. Rotating support; 13. Gas return pipe; 14. Demisting device; 15. Water disinfection tank; 16. Intermediate water tank; 17. Booster pump; 18. Return fan. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0031] Example: The present invention will be clearly described below with illustrations and detailed description. Any person skilled in the art who understands the examples of the present invention can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this work. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.

[0033] The terms "connection" or "positioning" as used in this article can refer to two or more components or devices making direct physical contact with each other, or making indirect physical contact with each other, or to two or more components or devices operating or moving with each other.

[0034] The terms “include,” “including,” and “have” used in this article are all open-ended, meaning they include but are not limited to.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the subject matter, and the specific context. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing this case.

[0036] See also Figure 1 As shown, a centralized air disinfection method includes:

[0037] The gas to be disinfected is introduced into the disinfection section 1 of the centralized air disinfection device.

[0038] Simultaneously, water is injected into the nanoscale liquid atomizing module 4 located in the disinfection section 1. The nanoscale liquid atomizing module 4 includes multiple layers of water distribution membranes 5, which are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Several nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 are evenly distributed on the water distribution membranes 5, and the openings of the nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 are located on the lower surface of the water distribution membranes 5. The water distribution membranes 5 are loaded with catalytic metal particles 7, which are distributed at least on the lower surface of the water distribution membranes 5 and at each nanoscale water-permeable pore 6. By injecting water, nanoscale water droplets seep out from the nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 of the water distribution membranes 5.

[0039] Nanoparticles are catalyzed in situ to produce hydrogen peroxide, which then decomposes to produce ·OH. The gas to be disinfected is then disinfected by the ·OH before being released into the atmosphere.

[0040] Preferably, the exhaust gas can also be returned to the disinfection section 1 through the pipeline for recirculation.

[0041] Preferably, the gas entering the disinfection zone 1 can be pressurized by a pressurized fan to create a positive pressure, thereby enabling further disinfection of microorganisms through high pressure (≤30MPa).

[0042] Preferably, the gas to be disinfected is filtered to remove particulate matter before being introduced into disinfection section 1.

[0043] Preferably, the effluent from disinfection section 1 enters the effluent disinfection tank 15, where it undergoes further disinfection using ordinary ultraviolet light, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine gas, or bleaching powder to kill any remaining microorganisms. The effluent can be temporarily stored in the intermediate water tank 16, with most of it being reused in the disinfection process of disinfection section 1 via a booster pump 17. The remainder is collected through pipelines and either sent to a sewage treatment plant or into the municipal sewage treatment system. Since water consumption is inevitable during treatment, some fresh water needs to be added to maintain water balance.

[0044] For details, please see the appendix. Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the present invention can be achieved by a centralized air disinfection device, which includes a disinfection section 1, the disinfection section 1 having a gas inlet 2 for introducing air to be disinfected and a gas outlet 3 for discharging disinfected air.

[0045] The gas inlet 2 is located below the disinfection section 1, and the gas outlet 3 is located above the disinfection section 1. The disinfection section 1 is equipped with a nano-level liquid atomization module 4.

[0046] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, the nanoscale liquid atomization module 4 includes multiple water distribution films 5, which are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction; several nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 are evenly distributed on the water distribution film 5, and the openings of the nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 are located on the lower surface of the water distribution film 5; the water distribution film 5 is loaded with metal particles 7 for catalysis, and the metal particles 7 are distributed at least on the lower surface of the water distribution film 5 and at each nanoscale water-permeable pore 6.

[0047] It also includes a water supply module, the water outlet of which corresponds to the water distribution membranes in the nanoscale liquid atomization module. Preferably, the water supply module includes multiple water injection frames 8, each corresponding one-to-one with a water distribution membrane 5, and the water injection frames 8 are positioned at least on two opposite sides of the water distribution membrane 5. The water injection frames 8 are hollow tubes with several water outlets 9, each water outlet 9 arranged along the lateral length of the water distribution membrane 5, providing lateral water supply to the water distribution membrane 5.

[0048] Preferably, the system further includes a filter module 10 for filtering the air to be disinfected, which is disposed at the front end of the gas inlet 2. The filter module 10 is a packing filter and / or a spray filter. The packing material can be activated carbon, zeolite molecular sieves, etc., used to filter particulate matter. To improve the filtration effect, a spray filter can be used for spray filtration to further remove particulate matter and soluble gases from the air.

[0049] Preferably, an air distribution plate 11 is provided between the disinfection section 1 and the filter module 10.

[0050] Preferably, a pressurized fan can be connected in series at the front end of the gas inlet 2 to maintain positive pressure on the gas entering the disinfection section 1. This design allows for further disinfection of microorganisms through high pressure (≤30MPa).

[0051] Preferably, the pore size of the nanoscale water-permeable pores 6 is 0.1 to 100 nanometers.

[0052] Preferably, the metal particles 7 in the water distribution membrane 5 are known transition metal particles, such as Fe2O3 / ZnO, Pd / In2O3, Fe2O3@UiO-66, etc., for confined catalysis.

[0053] Preferably, the water distribution membrane 5 is inclined, with an angle ranging from 5° to 45°. This inclined design allows droplets on the water distribution membrane 5 to collect and drain, enabling products in the water to leave the surface of the membrane 5 promptly, thus directing the reaction towards the target reaction direction and improving catalytic reaction efficiency.

[0054] Preferably, the nanoscale liquid atomizing module 4 may further include a rotating bracket 12, and each of the water distribution films 5 is fixed on the rotating bracket 12; the rotating shaft of the rotating bracket 12 is vertically arranged and located on the center line of the vertical direction of the disinfection section 1, which can accelerate the collection of droplets and their departure from the surface of the water distribution film 5.

[0055] Preferably, the gas outlet 3 is also connected to a gas return pipe 13, which is connected to the gas inlet 2.

[0056] Preferably, a demisting device 14 is also provided above the disinfection section 1, so that the gas is demisted and dried before being discharged or recirculated after disinfection. For example, a corrugated plate demisting device can be installed, and activated carbon, concentrated sulfuric acid, or quicklime can be used for drying.

[0057] Preferably, the system further includes an effluent disinfection tank 15, corresponding to the effluent outlet of the disinfection section 1; the effluent from the effluent disinfection tank 15 flows back to the water supply module. Furthermore, it may also include an intermediate water tank 16 for transition, which receives the effluent from the effluent disinfection tank 15 and can also be used to replenish clean water. The effluent from the intermediate water tank 16 can flow back to the water supply module or be directly discharged to a wastewater treatment facility for treatment.

[0058] The disinfection device of the present invention operates as follows:

[0059] In disinfection zone 1, return water is pumped into the water distribution membrane 5 by a pressurized pump 17. By controlling the incoming pressure, the particle size of the water effluent from the nanopores on the water distribution membrane 5 is adjusted, maintaining it at the nanoscale when exposed to air, thereby spontaneously generating hydrogen peroxide. The nanoscale permeable pores 6 of the water distribution membrane 5 neutralize the metal particles 7 loaded on the surface of the water distribution membrane 5, and the hydrogen peroxide generated is decomposed in situ to produce ·OH. The water distribution membrane 6 can be fixed on a rotatable support 12, and by adjusting the tilt angle of the support, the droplets on the water distribution membrane 5 can be smoothly collected and enter the effluent disinfection tank 15.

[0060] The gas to be disinfected, along with a portion of the exhaust gas forced back by the return fan 18, enters the filter module 10. Particulate matter is removed by filtration, and the gas is then rectified by the air distribution plate 11 before entering the disinfection section 1. Microorganisms attached to the aerosol enter the nano-sized water droplets on the surface of the water distribution membrane 5 through mass transfer. After being disinfected with ·OH, the entrained water vapor is removed by the demisting process. Finally, a portion is forced back by the return fan 18, while the remainder is discharged into the air.

[0061] Table 1 shows the effect of disinfection on the operating room of a tertiary hospital after 15 minutes.

[0062] UV disinfection Air purification and disinfection device This embodiment Natural colony kill rate 18.62％ 81.46％ 88.94％ Staphylococcus aureus kill rate 20.68％ 84.56％ 91.42％ Staphylococcus aureus kill rate 19.22％ 83.98％ 90.46％

[0063] Table 2 shows the effect of disinfection in the operating room of a tertiary hospital after 30 minutes.

[0064] UV disinfection Air purification and disinfection device This embodiment Natural colony kill rate 25.81％ 99.99％ 99.99％ Staphylococcus aureus kill rate 29.82％ 99.99％ 99.99％ Staphylococcus aureus kill rate 28.46％ 99.99％ 99.99％

[0065] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A centralized air disinfection method, characterized in that: include: The gas to be disinfected is introduced into the disinfection section of the centralized air disinfection device; Simultaneously, water is injected into the nanoscale liquid atomizing module located within the disinfection zone. This module comprises multiple layers of water distribution membranes, which are spaced apart vertically. Each water distribution membrane has several nanoscale water-permeable pores evenly distributed on it, with the pore openings located on the lower surface of the membrane. The water distribution membranes are loaded with catalytic metal particles, which are distributed at least on the lower surface of the membranes and at each nanoscale water-permeable pore. Water injection causes nanoscale water droplets to seep out from the nanoscale water-permeable pores of the water distribution membranes. Nanoparticles are catalyzed in situ to produce hydrogen peroxide, which then decomposes to produce ·OH. The gas to be disinfected is then disinfected by the ·OH and released into the atmosphere. The pore size of the nanoscale water-permeable pores is 0.1~100 nanometers; The water distribution membrane is inclined and has an angle ranging from 5 to 45°.

2. The centralized air disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust gas is returned to the disinfection zone through pipelines for recirculation.

3. The centralized air disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas entering the disinfection zone is pressurized by a pressurized fan to be at positive pressure, with a pressure less than or equal to 30 MPa.

4. The centralized air disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before introducing the gas to be disinfected into the disinfection zone, the gas is filtered to remove particulate matter.

5. A centralized air disinfection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The filtration is achieved through a filtration module located at the gas inlet of the disinfection section.

6. The centralized air disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The effluent from the disinfection section enters the effluent disinfection tank, where it is further disinfected by ultraviolet light, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine gas, or bleaching powder.

7. A centralized air disinfection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The effluent from the disinfection tank is temporarily stored in an intermediate water tank. Part of the water is then pumped back to the disinfection process in the disinfection zone, while the rest is collected by pipelines and sent to a sewage treatment plant or the municipal sewage treatment system.

8. A centralized air disinfection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nanoscale liquid atomization module also includes a rotating bracket, on which each of the water distribution films is fixed; the rotating shaft of the rotating bracket is vertically arranged and located on the center line of the vertical direction of the disinfection section.

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