Self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of integrated space sterilization system of self-cleaning, including the dehumidifier, filter, system host computer and at least one group air handling unit connected in turn, further including self-cleaning discharge line connected with system host computer and self-cleaning control valve set on self-cleaning discharge line, and self-cleaning discharge line and each group air handling unit are arranged in parallel connection.The utility model is based on the original integrated space sterilization system, add a self-cleaning discharge line parallel connected with each air handling unit and set self-cleaning control valve, switch sterilization medium from hydrogen peroxide solution to purified water, system uses high-temperature purified water vapor generated by itself to flush and clean entire fluid path, finally through self-cleaning discharge line, waste liquid and steam after cleaning are discharged outside system, so as to realize automatic internal cleaning without disassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air purification and sterilization technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system for use in places with strict sterilization requirements for the spatial environment, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, biosafety laboratories, and hospitals. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated space sterilization systems, especially those based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapor or mist, have been widely used in fields requiring a high level of aseptic assurance. These systems utilize the strong oxidizing properties of hydrogen peroxide solution (e.g., 35% by mass) to vaporize and diffuse into the target space, achieving thorough sterilization of microorganisms. However, in long-term practical use, researchers have discovered a common and challenging problem with existing technologies: if the hydrogen peroxide solution is not completely removed after contacting internal pipes and components (such as liquid delivery hoses, pumps, preheaters, evaporators, etc.), its residue gradually leads to corrosion of metal parts and deterioration of non-metallic parts, forming stubborn scale on high-temperature surfaces. This scaling and corrosion significantly reduce the heat exchange efficiency of the equipment, increase fluid transport resistance, and ultimately cause performance degradation problems such as unstable sterilizing agent evaporation and insufficient delivery pressure, affecting the sterilization effect.

[0003] Currently, the traditional solution is to manually disassemble and maintain the equipment periodically, using compressed air to blow it out or high-pressure water guns to wash it. This method has obvious drawbacks: 1) Inefficient and labor-intensive: The disassembly and assembly process is complex, requires professional personnel, and is time-consuming and labor-intensive; 2) Safety hazards: After disassembly and rinsing with a high-pressure water gun, if the parts are not completely dry, residual moisture may cause electrical short circuits; manual operation also increases the possibility of contact with chemical residues; 3) Damage to equipment stability: Repeated disassembly can easily lead to damage to precision components (such as pumps and sensors) or loosening of connections, reducing the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0004] Therefore, how to develop an integrated space sterilization system that can automatically, safely, and effectively clean the inside of the system without disassembling the equipment, so as to extend the equipment life and maintain stable performance, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of corrosion and scaling of internal components caused by hydrogen peroxide residue in existing integrated space sterilization systems, which leads to decreased equipment performance, maintenance difficulties, and safety hazards. It provides an integrated space sterilization system with self-cleaning function, fully automatic operation, and effective extension of equipment lifespan.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: A self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system includes a dehumidifier, a filter, a system host, and at least one set of air handling units connected in sequence. It also includes a self-cleaning discharge pipeline connected to the system host and a self-cleaning control valve disposed on the self-cleaning discharge pipeline, wherein the self-cleaning discharge pipeline is arranged in parallel with each set of air handling units.

[0007] Preferably, the air inlet of the dehumidifier is connected to ambient air, and the air outlet is connected to the system host through the filter via the first pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the first pipe is made of 304 stainless steel and has a diameter of 50-110mm.

[0009] Preferably, the filter is an H14 grade high-efficiency filter, and the system host is a hydrogen peroxide generator.

[0010] Preferably, the main unit of the system is equipped with an evaporator, a preheater, a liquid pump, and a high-pressure fan. The high-temperature hot air generated is transported to each group of air handling units and the self-cleaning discharge pipeline through the high-pressure fan.

[0011] Preferably, the air handling units and the self-cleaning emission lines in each group are arranged in parallel and are respectively connected to the system host through a second pipe.

[0012] More preferably, the air handling unit comprises two groups, each including a first air purification space and a second air purification space, wherein: A first control valve is installed on the pipe at the inlet end of the first air purification space, and a second control valve is installed on the pipe at the inlet end of the second air purification space.

[0013] Preferably, the first control valve, the second control valve, and the self-cleaning control valve are all electric butterfly valves.

[0014] Preferably, the second pipe is a PVC pipe with a diameter of 20-50mm.

[0015] Preferably, in self-cleaning mode, the sterilization liquid in the system host is switched to purified water.

[0016] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following technical effects compared with the prior art: (1) Efficient and thorough internal cleaning: Through a set of parallel self-cleaning pipelines and media switching mechanisms, the system can systematically and automatically clean all key components through which the liquid flows, such as delivery hoses, liquid pumps, preheaters, evaporators and internal pipelines, fundamentally solving the problems of internal corrosion and scaling, and maintaining the best performance of the equipment. (2) Fully automatic operation and extremely high safety: It realizes a one-button start self-cleaning process, which does not require manual disassembly, greatly saving maintenance time and labor costs; at the same time, it avoids electrical safety hazards caused by personnel contact with chemical reagents and high-pressure water washing, and greatly improves operational safety. (3) Significantly extend equipment life: The system’s regular self-cleaning can effectively prevent the aggravation of corrosion and the accumulation of scale, protecting precision and expensive built-in components such as evaporators and liquid pumps, thereby significantly extending the service life of the entire system and reducing the frequency of spare parts replacement and overall maintenance costs. (4) Improve the stability of sterilization process: The self-cleaning system can keep the internal flow path of the system unobstructed and the heat exchange efficiency stable, ensuring the stability of the amount, concentration and delivery pressure of hydrogen peroxide vapor in each sterilization process, thereby ensuring the reliability and uniformity of space sterilization effect. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a filter in a self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to the present invention; The accompanying figures are labeled as follows: 1-Dehumidifier, 2-Filter, 3-System host, 4-First air purification space, 5-Second air purification space, 6-First duct, 7-Second duct, 8-First control valve, 9-Second control valve, 10-Self-cleaning discharge duct, 11-Self-cleaning control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0019] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, this application provides a self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system. The core solution is to add a self-cleaning exhaust pipe 10 connected in parallel with each air handling unit to the existing integrated space sterilization system, and to install a self-cleaning control valve 11 on this exhaust pipe 10. Through the system's self-cleaning mode, the sterilization medium is switched from hydrogen peroxide solution to purified water. The system uses its own generated high-temperature purified water vapor to flush and clean the entire fluid path. Finally, the waste liquid and vapor are discharged outside the system through the self-cleaning exhaust pipe, thus achieving automated internal cleaning without disassembly. The components, installation method, and working principle of this mechanism will be described in detail below.

[0021] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the core components of this self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system include a dehumidifier 1, a filter 2, a system host 3, at least one air handling unit, and crucial self-cleaning exhaust pipe 10 and self-cleaning control valve 11. One end of the self-cleaning exhaust pipe 10 is connected to the main output pipe of the system host 3, and the other end leads directly to a safe area outside the system, such as outdoors or a waste liquid treatment device.

[0022] The self-cleaning discharge line 10 is logically arranged in parallel with each of the air handling units. This means that the sterilizing steam or cleaning steam medium output by the system host 3 can be controlled by valves to selectively enter the space requiring sterilization, or be discharged directly through the self-cleaning discharge line 10 and the self-cleaning control valve 11.

[0023] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet of the dehumidifier 1 is connected to ambient air. Its function is to lower the dew point of the intake air and prevent water vapor from condensing and diluting the sterilizing agent or affecting the evaporation efficiency during subsequent processes. The dehumidified dry air is delivered to the filter 2 through the first pipe 6.

[0024] The filter 2 is preferably an H14 grade high-efficiency filter, which can effectively remove particulate matter ≥0.3μm in the air, ensuring that the air entering the system host reaches a sterile and dust-free state, and avoiding contamination of the system interior and the space to be sterilized.

[0025] The first pipe 6 is a key air passage and is preferably made of corrosion-resistant and high-cleanliness 304 stainless steel. Its pipe diameter is designed according to the system air volume and is usually in the range of 50-110mm to ensure the minimum airflow resistance and the highest delivery efficiency.

[0026] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the system host 3 is the core of the system, preferably a hydrogen peroxide generator. It integrates an evaporator 31, a preheater 32, a liquid addition pump 33, and a high-pressure blower 34. The inlet of the evaporator 31 is connected to the outlet of the preheater 32, and at least two sets are arranged in parallel. The inlet of each preheater 32 is connected to the filter 2 via a pipe through the high-pressure blower 34, and each evaporator 31 is connected to a hydrogen peroxide storage tank via a liquid addition pump 33. In self-cleaning mode, the system program automatically switches the medium pumped by the liquid addition pump 33 from hydrogen peroxide solution to purified water.

[0027] The liquid pump 33 is used to accurately extract and deliver hydrogen peroxide solution or purified water; the preheater 32 is used to preheat the liquid, raising its temperature before entering the evaporator 31 and improving the evaporation efficiency; the evaporator 31, as the core heating component, instantly vaporizes the preheated liquid, such as hydrogen peroxide or purified water, into high-temperature steam; the high-pressure blower 34 provides power to the entire system, forcibly delivering the generated high-temperature gas sterilization steam or cleaning steam to the subsequent pipelines.

[0028] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the high-temperature gas generated by the system host 3 is distributed through the second pipe 7. Each of the air handling units, such as the first air purification space 4, the second air purification space 5, and the self-cleaning emission pipe 10, is connected in parallel to the system host 3 through the second pipe 7.

[0029] A first control valve 8 and a second control valve 9 are respectively installed on the inlet pipes of each of the air handling units to control whether to supply sterilization medium to the space. A self-cleaning control valve 11 is also installed on the self-cleaning discharge pipe 10.

[0030] As a preferred option, the first control valve 8, the second control valve 9, and the self-cleaning control valve 11 are all electric butterfly valves, which have a compact structure, quick opening and closing, and are easy to automate.

[0031] Since the second pipe 7 comes into contact with vaporized hydrogen peroxide or high-temperature water vapor, a chemically resistant and low-cost PVC pipe can be selected, with a pipe diameter usually between 20-50mm, to meet the flow requirements of the branch gas circuit.

[0032] Combination Figure 1 As shown, this self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system has two main working modes: sterilization and self-cleaning. The specific working principle is as follows: I. Sterilization Mode Working Principle: Step 1: The system starts up, the self-cleaning control valve 11 closes, and the first control valve 8 and / or the second control valve 9 open according to the command; Step 2: Ambient air enters the system host 3 after being dehumidified by the dehumidifier 1 and purified by the filter 2; Step 3: The liquid pump in the system host 3 draws 35% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is preheated by the preheater and then sent to the evaporator, where it is instantly vaporized into high-temperature hydrogen peroxide vapor; Step 4: The high-pressure blower delivers the mixture of hydrogen peroxide vapor and dry air through the second pipe 7 and the opened control valve to the first air purification space 4 and / or the second air purification space 5 for space sterilization; Step 5: After sterilization, the system will execute a residual discharge procedure to discharge the hydrogen peroxide residue in the space.

[0033] II. Working Principle of Self-Cleaning Mode: Step 1: After the sterilization process is completed or during regular maintenance, the operator can activate the self-cleaning mode with one button. Step 2: The system first closes all control valves leading to the air handling unit, including the first control valve 8 and the second control valve 9, and then opens the self-cleaning control valve 11. Step 3: The liquid pump in the main unit 3 automatically switches the media source from hydrogen peroxide solution to purified water. Step 4: The evaporator and preheater start and heat up to the set temperature, usually above 100°C, to ensure effective cleaning and vaporization. Step 5: The plunger pump is started to send purified water into the system, flowing through the liquid delivery hose—the inside of the liquid pump (especially the ceramic pump core)—the coil inside the preheater—the heating surface inside the evaporator. During this process, the purified water is heated into high-temperature steam. Step 6: Driven by a high-pressure fan, the high-temperature steam continues to flush all the delivery pipelines inside the main unit of the system, and finally is discharged directly to the outside of the system by opening the self-cleaning control valve 11 on the self-cleaning discharge pipeline 10.

[0034] In summary, the cleaning mechanism of this self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system is mainly as follows: For high-temperature areas such as the evaporator and preheater, high-temperature steam effectively softens and washes away scale formed by residual hydrogen peroxide. For non-continuously high-temperature areas such as delivery hoses and liquid pumps, flowing purified water and steam also dissolve and rinse away residual chemicals. The entire self-cleaning process is program-controlled, automatically stopping and resetting all valves after the allotted time, preparing for the next sterilization task. Depending on actual production needs, the self-cleaning process can be performed after each sterilization cycle or quarterly, which can significantly extend the service life of the equipment and prevent the evaporator from accumulating excessive scale that could affect equipment performance.

[0035] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change. Secondly, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this utility model. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. Finally, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system, comprising a dehumidifier (1), a filter (2), a system host (3), and at least one set of air handling units connected in sequence, characterized in that: It also includes a self-cleaning discharge pipe (10) connected to the system host (3) and a self-cleaning control valve (11) disposed on the self-cleaning discharge pipe (10), and the self-cleaning discharge pipe (10) is arranged in parallel with each group of the air handling units.

2. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dehumidifier (1) has an air inlet connected to ambient air and an outlet connected to the system host (3) via the first pipe (6) and the filter (2).

3. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pipe (6) is made of 304 stainless steel and has a diameter of 50-110mm.

4. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter (2) is an H14 grade high-efficiency filter, and the system host (3) is a hydrogen peroxide generator.

5. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The system host (3) is equipped with an evaporator (31), a preheater (32), a liquid pump (33), and a high-pressure blower (34). The generated high-temperature hot air is transported to each group of air handling units and the self-cleaning discharge pipeline (10) through the high-pressure blower (34).

6. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air handling units and the self-cleaning exhaust pipes (10) of each group are arranged in parallel and are connected to the system host (3) through the second pipe (7).

7. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air handling unit consists of two groups, each including a first air purification space (4) and a second air purification space (5), wherein: A first control valve (8) is installed on the pipe at the inlet end of the first air purification space (4), and a second control valve (9) is installed on the pipe at the inlet end of the second air purification space (5).

8. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first control valve (8), the second control valve (9), and the self-cleaning control valve (11) are all electric butterfly valves.

9. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second pipe (7) is a PVC pipe with a diameter of 20-50mm.

10. The self-cleaning integrated space sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In self-cleaning mode, the sterilization liquid in the system host (3) is switched to purified water.

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