A mobile sterilization station and method of sterilization

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of mobile sterilization station and sterilization method, mobile sterilization station includes air inlet device and discharge device, air inlet device includes first gas supply mechanism and second gas supply mechanism, the first gas supply mechanism is used to provide clean gas at normal temperature or low temperature for the piece to be sterilized, the second gas supply mechanism is used to provide steam for the piece to be sterilized;Discharge device includes exhaust mechanism and drainage mechanism, the exhaust mechanism is used to discharge the steam and the gas in the piece to be sterilized, the drainage mechanism is used to discharge the condensed water in the piece to be sterilized.Mobile sterilization station can realize the rapid cooling of tank body and drying by first gas supply mechanism, so that mobile sterilization station can be as soon as possible from tank body disassembled, for the next tank body sterilization processing.Because the clean gas provided by first gas supply mechanism, tank body is low temperature and dry, so secondary pollution will not occur.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sterilization technology, and in particular to a mobile sterilization station and sterilization method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, mobile sterilization stations sterilize tanks and similar structures using high-temperature steam. However, because the mobile sterilization station contains high-temperature steam after sterilization, it needs to be cooled by the steam before it can be removed from the tank. Otherwise, the high-temperature and high-humidity environment inside the tank may cause secondary contamination. This results in low utilization of the mobile sterilization station. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a mobile sterilization station to solve the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile sterilization station to improve its utilization rate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a mobile sterilization station, comprising:

[0005] The air intake device includes a first air supply mechanism and a second air supply mechanism. The first air supply mechanism is used to provide clean gas at room temperature or low temperature to the parts to be sterilized, and the second air supply mechanism is used to provide steam to the parts to be sterilized.

[0006] The discharge device includes an exhaust mechanism and a drainage mechanism. The exhaust mechanism is used to discharge the steam and gas inside the item to be sterilized, and the drainage mechanism is used to discharge the condensate inside the item to be sterilized.

[0007] Optionally, the first gas supply mechanism includes:

[0008] The first conduit is detachably connected to the component to be sterilized;

[0009] A gas supply unit is connected to the first pipeline and is used to supply the gas to the first pipeline;

[0010] The first valve is connected downstream of the gas supply unit and is used to control the on / off state of the first pipeline.

[0011] Optionally, the air supply unit is an air filter or an air tank, the air tank being used to store the compressed gas.

[0012] Optionally, the exhaust mechanism includes:

[0013] The second pipeline is detachably connected to the component to be sterilized.

[0014] A heat exchanger is used to cool the steam in the second pipeline;

[0015] The second valve is connected to the second pipeline and is used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline.

[0016] Optionally, the exhaust mechanism further includes:

[0017] A vacuum pump, which is connected to the second pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, the exhaust mechanism further includes:

[0019] Cooling pipes are connected to the heat exchanger and the vacuum pump.

[0020] Optionally, the drainage mechanism includes:

[0021] A drain pipe is detachably connected to the component to be sterilized.

[0022] A steam trap is connected to the drain pipe;

[0023] The third valve is connected to the drain pipe and is used to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe.

[0024] Optionally, the discharge device further includes:

[0025] A temperature sensing element is connected to both the exhaust mechanism and the drainage mechanism, and is used to detect the temperature of the steam discharged from the item to be sterilized.

[0026] Optionally, the air intake device further includes a first pressure detection element;

[0027] The first pressure detection element is connected to both the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism, and is used to detect the air pressure inside the item to be sterilized.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization method to improve sterilization efficiency.

[0029] To achieve this objective, the second aspect of the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0030] A sterilization method, using a portable sterilization station as described above, the sterilization method comprising:

[0031] The exhaust mechanism vents the contents to be sterilized, and the second gas supply mechanism introduces steam into the contents to be sterilized. The venting and steam introduction are repeated until the first preset condition is met.

[0032] The second gas supply mechanism continuously introduces steam into the item to be sterilized, and the drainage mechanism drains the condensate from the item to be sterilized until the item to be sterilized is sterilized.

[0033] The first gas supply mechanism introduces clean gas at room temperature or low temperature into the item to be sterilized, and the exhaust mechanism discharges the gas or vapor from the item to be sterilized until the second preset condition is met.

[0034] As can be seen from the above, the technical solution provided by this invention enables the mobile sterilization station to achieve rapid cooling and drying of the tank through the first gas supply mechanism, thereby allowing the mobile sterilization station to be quickly removed from the tank for sterilization of the next tank. Since the first gas supply mechanism provides clean gas, and the tank is at a low temperature and dry, secondary contamination will not occur. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mobile sterilization station and the tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the sterilization method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] 1. First gas supply mechanism; 11. First pipeline; 12. Gas supply unit; 13. First valve;

[0039] 2. Second gas supply unit; 21. Third pipeline;

[0040] 22. Steam supply assembly; 221. Steam generator; 222. Second pressure sensor; 223. Booster pump; 224. Fifth valve; 225. Water level sensor;

[0041] 23. Fourth valve;

[0042] 3. Exhaust mechanism; 31. Second pipeline; 32. Heat exchanger; 33. Second valve; 34. Vacuum pump;

[0043] 35. Cooling piping; 36. First check valve;

[0044] 4. Drainage mechanism; 41. Drain pipe; 42. Steam trap; 43. Third valve; 44. Second check valve;

[0045] 5. Temperature sensing element; 6. First pressure sensing element;

[0046] 7. Main gas supply pipe; 8. Main exhaust pipe;

[0047] 10. Tank body. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0049] This invention defines certain directional terms. Unless otherwise stated, the directional terms used, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are used for ease of understanding and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] This embodiment provides a portable sterilization station for sterilizing tanks and other items awaiting sterilization, thereby improving the utilization rate of the portable sterilization station. This embodiment uses tanks as an example to illustrate the process.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile sterilization station provided in this embodiment includes an air intake device and an exhaust device. The air intake device is connected to the inlet of the tank 10 to provide steam or gas to the tank 10; the exhaust device is connected to the outlet of the tank 10 to discharge condensate, steam or gas from the tank 10.

[0054] Specifically, the air intake device includes a first air supply mechanism 1 and a second air supply mechanism 2. The first air supply mechanism 1 provides clean gas at room temperature or low temperature to the tank 10 to rapidly cool and dry the sterilized tank 10. The second air supply mechanism 2 provides steam to the tank 10 to sterilize it. It is understood that room temperature refers to room temperature, and low temperature refers to a temperature below room temperature. The gas can be an inert gas or air. Clean gas refers to gas that does not contain bacteria or dust.

[0055] The discharge device includes an exhaust mechanism 3 and a drainage mechanism 4. The exhaust mechanism 3 is used to discharge steam and gas inside the tank 10 to maintain the sterilization temperature inside the tank 10 and to achieve rapid cooling of the tank 10. It also prevents excessive pressure inside the tank 10, which could cause deformation or rupture of the tank 10. The drainage mechanism 4 is used to drain condensate inside the tank 10 to ensure that condensate formed by steam condensation during the sterilization process does not lower the temperature of the tank 10.

[0056] This embodiment provides a mobile sterilization station that can rapidly cool and dry the tank 10 through the first gas supply mechanism 1, thereby allowing the mobile sterilization station to be quickly removed from the tank 10 for sterilization of the next tank 10. Since the first gas supply mechanism 1 provides clean gas, and the tank 10 is at a low temperature and dry, secondary contamination will not occur.

[0057] The working process of the mobile sterilization station provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0058] The air intake device of the portable sterilization station is connected to the inlet of the tank 10, and the exhaust device is connected to the outlet of the tank 10.

[0059] The exhaust mechanism 3 is connected to the tank 10 to exhaust the low-temperature air inside the tank 10. The second air supply mechanism 2 is connected to the tank 10 to supply steam to the tank 10. The process of emptying the tank 10 and supplying steam to the tank 10 is repeated until the steam discharged from the tank 10 reaches the first preset temperature, i.e. the sterilization temperature.

[0060] The second gas supply mechanism 2 continuously supplies steam into the tank 10, the exhaust mechanism 3 is disconnected from the tank 10, and the drainage mechanism 4 is connected to the tank 10 to discharge the condensate until the tank 10 is sterilized.

[0061] The second gas supply mechanism 2 and the drainage mechanism 4 are both disconnected from the tank 10. The first gas supply mechanism 1 introduces gas into the tank 10, and the exhaust mechanism 3 is connected to the tank 10 to discharge the gas or steam in the tank 10 until the tank 10 reaches the second preset temperature.

[0062] It is understandable that the first preset temperature is the sterilization temperature at which the tank 10 can be sterilized, such as 120°C. Under the second preset temperature, the tank 10 will not be subject to secondary contamination, such as 25°C.

[0063] Optionally, the air intake and exhaust devices are mounted on a frame vehicle (not shown in the figure), which facilitates the movement of the mobile sterilization station. A valve can be installed on the tank 10 to allow for quick connection between the tank 10 and the mobile sterilization station. The manual valve is opened at the start of sterilization and closed promptly after sterilization to prevent secondary contamination of the tank 10.

[0064] Optionally, the first gas supply mechanism 1 includes a first pipeline 11, a gas supply section 12, and a first valve 13. The first pipeline 11 is detachably connected to the tank 10 to supply gas to the tank 10. The gas supply section 12 is connected to the first pipeline 11 and is used to supply gas to the first pipeline 11. The first valve 13 is connected downstream of the gas supply section 12 and is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline 11, that is, to control the opening and closing between the gas supply section 12 and the tank 10. The first valve 13 can ensure that the first gas supply mechanism 1 selectively supplies gas to the tank 10.

[0065] The air supply unit 12 is an air filter or an air canister, which is used to store compressed gas. An air filter removes impurities and bacteria from the air, thus providing clean air to the air supply unit 12. An air canister is less expensive and easier to use than an air filter.

[0066] The second gas supply mechanism 2 includes a third pipeline 21, a steam supply assembly 22, and a fourth valve 23. The third pipeline 21 is detachably connected to the tank 10 to supply steam to the tank. The steam supply assembly 22 is connected to the third pipeline 21 and is used to input steam into the third pipeline 21. The fourth valve 23 is connected to the third pipeline 21 and is used to control the on / off state of the third pipeline 21, that is, to control the on / off state between the steam supply assembly 22 and the tank 10. The second gas supply mechanism 2 can selectively supply steam to the tank 10 through the fourth valve 23, thereby improving the controllability of the second gas supply mechanism 2.

[0067] Optionally, the steam supply assembly 22 includes a steam generator 221, a booster pump 223, and a fifth valve 224, all connected to the third pipeline 21. The third pipeline 21 is connected to a purified water source, and the fifth valve 224 is located on the side of the booster pump 223 away from the steam generator 221 to control the amount of water added to the steam generator 221. The booster pump 223 pumps purified water into the steam generator 221 to prevent contamination of the tank 10.

[0068] Optionally, the steam supply assembly 22 may also include a water level detection element 225, which is disposed on the steam generator 221 to detect the water level in the steam generator 221.

[0069] Optionally, the steam supply assembly 22 may also include a second pressure sensor 222, which is used to control the pressure of the steam generator 221 to ensure that the steam meets the requirements.

[0070] In other alternative embodiments, the steam supply assembly 22 may also be a steam storage tank, which may be connected to a steam source to provide sufficient steam.

[0071] Optionally, both the first gas supply mechanism 1 and the second gas supply mechanism 2 are connected to the tank 10 via a main gas supply pipe 7. That is, one end of the first pipe 11 and one end of the second pipe 31 are connected to one end of the main gas supply pipe 7, and the other end of the main gas supply pipe 7 is connected to the tank 10. The main gas supply pipe 7 can be a corrugated metal pipe with a quick-connect fitting for quick connection to the tank 10.

[0072] Optionally, the air intake device further includes a first pressure detection element 6, which is connected to both the first air supply mechanism 1 and the second air supply mechanism 2, and is used to detect the air pressure inside the tank 10. The first pressure detection element 6 can detect the pressure inside the tank 10, and then, by adjusting the steam supply of the second air supply mechanism 2, maintain a constant pressure inside the tank 10, ensuring that the tank 10 can be fully sterilized. Simultaneously, by controlling the evacuation volume of the exhaust mechanism 3 and the air intake volume of the second air supply mechanism 2 through the first pressure detection element 6, repeated inflation and inflation can be performed to ensure that cold air inside the tank 10 is discharged. Optionally, the first pressure detection element 6 and the second pressure detection element 222 are pressure sensors.

[0073] The exhaust mechanism 3 includes a second pipe 31, a heat exchanger 32, and a second valve 33. The second pipe 31 is detachably connected to the tank 10 to exhaust steam or gas from the tank 10. The heat exchanger 32 is used to cool the steam or gas in the second pipe 31, and the second valve 33 is connected to the second pipe 31 and used to control the opening and closing of the second pipe 31. Steam in the tank 10 is exhausted through the second pipe 31. The second pipe 31 is cooled by the heat exchanger 32, and the water vapor inside condenses into condensate, thereby preventing high-temperature steam from harming personnel. The second valve 33 can control the opening and closing of the second pipe 31 and the tank 10, thereby venting steam from the tank 10 before and after sterilization, and preventing steam from escaping from the tank 10 during sterilization. It can be understood that sterilization in this embodiment specifically refers to the process of reaching a first preset temperature in the tank 10 and maintaining that temperature for a certain period of time.

[0074] Optionally, the exhaust mechanism 3 also includes a vacuum pump 34, which is connected to the second pipeline 31 to accelerate the discharge of steam from the tank 10.

[0075] The exhaust mechanism 3 also includes a cooling pipe 35, which is connected to the heat exchanger 32 and the vacuum pump 34 to accelerate the cooling of the heat exchanger 32 and the vacuum pump 34. Optionally, the cooling pipe 35 is also connected to a tap water source to cool the heat exchanger 32 and the vacuum pump 34 with tap water.

[0076] Optionally, a first check valve 36 may also be connected to the second pipeline 31. The first check valve 36 is located downstream of the second valve 33 to prevent condensate or steam in the heat exchanger 32 from flowing back into the tank 10.

[0077] The drainage mechanism 4 includes a drain pipe 41, a steam trap 42, and a third valve 43. The drain pipe 41 is detachably connected to the tank 10 to drain condensate from the tank 10. The steam trap 42 is connected to the drain pipe 41, and the third valve 43 is connected to the drain pipe 41 and is used to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe 41. During sterilization, the third valve 43 is open, and the second valve 33 is closed. The steam trap 42 allows the drain pipe 41 to drain only condensate without venting steam. The third valve 43 allows the drain pipe 41 to be connected to the tank 10 only during sterilization, and not before or after sterilization.

[0078] Optionally, to ensure that the temperature inside the tank 10 is always maintained above the first preset temperature during sterilization, and to confirm that the temperature inside the tank 10 has reached the first preset temperature before sterilization, the discharge device further includes a temperature detection element 5. The temperature detection element 5 is connected to both the exhaust mechanism 3 and the drainage mechanism 4, and is used to detect the temperature of the steam discharged from the tank 10. Optionally, the temperature detection element 5 can be located upstream of the third valve 43, so that after the third valve 43 is closed, the temperature detection element 5 can detect the temperature of the steam entering the exhaust mechanism 3, and after the third valve 43 is opened and the second valve 33 is closed, the temperature detection element 5 can detect the temperature of the steam entering the drainage mechanism 4.

[0079] Optionally, a second check valve 44 can also be connected to the drain pipe 41. The second check valve 44 is located downstream of the third valve 43 to prevent the condensate in the drain pipe 41 from flowing back into the tank 10.

[0080] Optionally, the venting mechanism 3 and the drainage mechanism 4 can also be connected to the tank body 10 via the main discharge pipe 8. Specifically, one end of the drain pipe 41 and the second pipe 31 are both connected to the main discharge pipe 8, and the other end of the main discharge pipe 8 is detachably connected to the tank body 10.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment also provides a sterilization method, which uses the aforementioned portable sterilization station for sterilization. The sterilization method includes:

[0082] S1. The venting mechanism 3 empties the tank 10, and the second gas supply mechanism 2 introduces steam into the tank 10. The venting and steam introduction are repeated until the first preset condition is met. It should be understood that venting does not mean completely removing the air or steam from the tank 10, but rather venting the steam or air from the tank 10 within the pressure range of the tank 10. The first preset condition may be reaching a first preset temperature, or venting and steam introduction being cyclical a certain number of times, such as 5-7 times, or venting and steam introduction being cyclical for a certain period of time, but is not limited to these.

[0083] S2. The second gas supply mechanism 2 continuously supplies steam into the tank 10, and the drainage mechanism 4 drains the condensate in the tank 10 until the tank 10 is sterilized.

[0084] S3. The first gas supply mechanism 1 introduces clean gas at room temperature or low temperature into the tank 10, and the exhaust mechanism 3 discharges the gas or vapor from the tank 10 until the tank 10 reaches the second preset condition. The second preset condition can be a second preset temperature, a certain humidity, or a certain time for gas to be introduced.

[0085] The sterilization method provided in this embodiment can achieve rapid heating inside the tank 10 through step S1 and rapid cooling inside the tank 10 through step S3, thereby improving sterilization efficiency and increasing the utilization rate of the mobile sterilization station.

[0086] Specifically, S1 includes:

[0087] Controlled by the control system, the fifth valve 224 is opened, the pressurizing pump 223 injects water into the steam generator 221, the water level detection element 225 controls the water injection amount, the steam generator 221 heats and generates steam, and the steam amount is fed back through the second pressure detection element 222.

[0088] By opening the vacuum pump 34 and the second valve 33, the tank 10 is evacuated to remove cold air. Then, the fourth valve 23 is opened to allow steam to enter the tank 10. The evacuation volume and air intake volume are controlled by the first pressure detection element 6. This process is repeated to ensure that the cold air is discharged.

[0089] S2 includes:

[0090] The opening of the fourth valve 23 is controlled by the first pressure detection element 6, and the third valve 43 is opened at the same time. The condensate is discharged through the steam trap 42 to ensure that the temperature inside the tank 10 reaches the first preset temperature before sterilization.

[0091] S3 includes:

[0092] After sterilization, close the third valve 43 and the fourth valve 23, open the second valve 33, and use the vacuum pump 34 to evacuate the steam in the tank 10 to atmospheric pressure. Then, open the first valve 13 to perform evacuation and drying operations inside the tank 10. At the same time, introduce tap water into the cooling pipe 35 until the tank 10 reaches the second preset temperature.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions, specific embodiments, and experiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile sterilization station, characterized in that, include: The air intake device includes a first air supply mechanism (1) and a second air supply mechanism (2). The first air supply mechanism (1) is used to provide clean gas at room temperature or low temperature to the parts to be sterilized. The first air supply mechanism (1) includes a first pipeline (11) and an air supply section (12). The first pipeline (11) is detachably connected to the parts to be sterilized. The air supply section (12) is an air filter or a gas tank. The gas tank is used to store compressed clean gas. The clean gas is introduced into the parts to be sterilized through the first air supply mechanism (1) to achieve cooling and drying of the parts to be sterilized, so that the mobile sterilization station can be removed from the parts to be sterilized as soon as possible. The second air supply mechanism (2) is used to provide steam to the parts to be sterilized. The discharge device includes an exhaust mechanism (3) and a drainage mechanism (4), wherein the exhaust mechanism (3) is used to discharge the steam and gas inside the item to be sterilized, and the drainage mechanism (4) is used to discharge the condensate inside the item to be sterilized; The exhaust mechanism (3) includes a second pipe (31) detachably connected to the part to be sterilized, and the drainage mechanism (4) includes a drain pipe (41) detachably connected to the part to be sterilized; the air intake device and the exhaust device are both mounted on the frame vehicle to realize the overall movement of the sterilization station; The first gas supply mechanism (1) further includes: The first valve (13) is connected downstream of the gas supply unit (12) and is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline (11); The exhaust mechanism (3) also includes: A heat exchanger (32) is used to cool the steam in the second pipe (31); The second valve (33) is connected to the second pipeline (31) and is used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline (31); A vacuum pump (34) is connected to the second pipeline (31); Cooling pipe (35) is connected to the heat exchanger (32) and the vacuum pump (34); The drainage mechanism (4) also includes: A steam trap (42) is connected to the drain pipe (41); The third valve (43) is connected to the drain pipe (41) and is used to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe (41); The discharge device further includes: The temperature detection element (5) is connected to both the exhaust mechanism (3) and the drainage mechanism (4) and is used to detect the temperature of the steam discharged from the sterile item.

2. The mobile sterilization station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake device also includes a first pressure detection element (6); The first pressure detection element (6) is connected to both the first air supply mechanism (1) and the second air supply mechanism (2) and is used to detect the air pressure inside the item to be sterilized.

3. A sterilization method, characterized in that, Sterilization is performed using the portable sterilization station according to claim 1 or 2, the sterilization method comprising: The exhaust mechanism (3) empties the item to be sterilized, and the second gas supply mechanism (2) introduces steam into the item to be sterilized. The emptying and steam introduction are repeated until the first preset condition is met. The second gas supply mechanism (2) continuously supplies steam into the part to be sterilized, and the drainage mechanism (4) drains the condensate in the part to be sterilized until the part to be sterilized is sterilized. The first gas supply mechanism (1) introduces clean gas at room temperature or low temperature into the sterile part, and the exhaust mechanism (3) exhausts the gas or steam in the sterile part until the second preset condition is met.

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