GAS CLEANING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for purifying gas, according to claim 1, in particular air, comprising an upper part and a lower part that are detachably connected to one another, wherein the lower part includes a central, vertically arranged air inlet nozzle for contaminated air, as well as a liquid container for a cleaning fluid with a nozzle assembly, and the upper part includes an air intake device, a device for forming at least one horizontal liquid film, and an air deflection device arranged in the upper part that directs the intake air through the liquid film. The invention further relates to a method for air purification according to claim 14.

[0002] Numerous devices for cleaning and / or humidifying air have become known. For example, US 2006 / 0097411 A1 discloses an air purification device with a cylindrical housing with air inlets on the lid and a blower unit with a spray head, wherein the cleaning fluid, in this case water, is introduced into the intake air via the spray head and cleans it by adsorption of the impurities.

[0003] DE 196 19 885 A1 shows an air purification and humidification device in which the airflow is repeatedly forced through a column of water.

[0004] KR 2017 0025141 A1 discloses a device in which an airflow is passed through a horizontal film of water and thus cleaned. The airflow is then directed to the outside via outlet channels 22. This is not very advantageous, as a large portion of the water is carried into the ambient air with the airflow, partly in the form of unevaporated water droplets. This can cause the water droplets to settle in the vicinity of the device and thus unintentionally dampen surfaces. Furthermore, this method consumes a significant amount of water.

[0005] A disadvantage of these devices is that they are bulky and often need to be set up on the floor. This takes up space and frequently presents unwanted obstacles in rooms and halls.

[0006] Finally, AT 367 894 describes a device for cleaning, humidifying, and ionizing air of the type mentioned above, comprising a water tank from which water is supplied to a centrifugal wheel and distributed in a horizontal layer. Between the edge of a downwardly open trough surrounding the centrifugal wheel and the edge of the centrifugal wheel on the one hand, and the outer wall of the water tank on the other, an annular cross-section is formed for the airflow directed downwards through the water layer by a fan and subsequently rising again. The upper edge of the trough is located slightly above the water film emitted from the outer edge of the centrifugal wheel, and the water film impinges upon the wall of the water tank, which is angled inwards into the plane of the water film and defines the outer cross-section of the airflow.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device of the type mentioned above which has improved cleaning performance compared to the prior art and is at the same time compact and space-saving.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by providing at least one dripping device in an outer edge region of the device between the upper and lower parts, the dripping elements of which are oriented at an angle of no more than 160° to the horizontal liquid film. In the present invention, the airflow is drawn in via an air inlet nozzle and deflected in such a way that it passes through the horizontal liquid film. In this process, some airborne contaminants, such as dust, fine dust, and ultrafine dust, are transferred to the liquid; at the same time, liquid particles are also carried along by the air.These liquid particles absorb the majority of the impurities contained in the air and are deposited at the dripping device as the moist air passes through, so that they are removed from the air along with any remaining impurities before the purified air leaves the device according to the invention. The dripping elements of the device, arranged at an angle of no more than 160°, preferably between 140° and 130°, and particularly preferably between 135° and 130°, allow for particularly intensive contact between the air and the dripping device, resulting in efficient separation of the liquid and thus the impurities (self-cleaning function). Furthermore, the air is decelerated in the process. The dripping elements can be positioned essentially perpendicular to the liquid film.At the same time, the arrangement of the drip tray in the edge region of the device according to the invention results in a particularly flat and compact design, which allows the device to be attached to the ceiling of a room or suspended from the ceiling, for example. In the prior art, the humidified air to be cleaned is redirected around edges, so that increased droplet formation occurs in these edge areas, which negatively affects the cleaning effect of the known devices. In the present invention, the airflow is guided essentially horizontally after exiting the air intake device, without any edges protruding into the airflow, so that, in particular, no undesirable noise such as whistling occurs.

[0009] The drip tray can simultaneously act as a silencer, minimizing the noise pollution in the room caused by the device.

[0010] Preferably, a pump is provided that draws the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir, pumps it to the nozzle assembly, and thus ensures sufficient pressure for the nozzle assembly. Alternatively, it could also be provided to use the water pressure from a fresh or process water line and supply the required amount of water depending on the rotational speed by means of a pressure reducer (preferably controlled).

[0011] To obtain a uniform horizontal liquid film, the device for forming at least one horizontal liquid film preferably includes at least one intake piece arranged on the side of the air intake device facing the air inlet nozzle, which also rotates when the air intake device rotates. The rotating intake piece is spaced apart from the air inlet nozzle fixed to the lower part, thus forming a narrow gap of small width between the air inlet nozzle and the intake piece.

[0012] It can also be provided that several, preferably two, intake pieces are included, which also rotate when the air intake device rotates and each generates a horizontal film of liquid. This forces the air to pass through the liquid multiple times, resulting in enhanced purification.

[0013] The liquid is applied to the blades of the rotating suction piece by means of a pump or a fresh water line, possibly with a pressure reducer, and a nozzle device, whereby the prevailing centrifugal forces cause the liquid to be accelerated and flung out over the upper outlet gap, and at a suitable pump pressure a uniform horizontal liquid film is formed radially extending from the suction piece.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the end facing the intake manifold corresponds to that of the air inlet nozzle and widens towards the air intake device, with the contour of the outer surface of the intake manifold essentially corresponding to a hyperbolic curve (in section). The shape of the air inlet nozzle is preferably frustoconical and tapers towards the air intake device. The horizontal liquid film preferably originates at the edge between the air intake device and the intake manifold, i.e., preferably at the concave side of a centrifugal wheel, where its diameter is greatest.

[0015] A particularly compact design is achieved when the liquid reservoir in the lower part tapers to a point around the air inlet nozzle. This makes the device especially flat because no separate, space-consuming component serves as the liquid reservoir; instead, it is integrated into the lower part of the device according to the invention. "Tapering to a point" here means that at least one edge is formed where two surfaces with different slopes meet. Alternatively, the lower part can also be arranged in an annular shape around the air inlet nozzle or be curved.

[0016] Radial fans have proven particularly suitable for use as air intake devices. The cleaning performance of the device according to the invention depends on the amount of air drawn in per unit of time, which in turn can be controlled via the performance of the air intake device.

[0017] To guide the aspirated air through the liquid film, the air deflection device, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, has guide vanes or a trim ring sloping down towards the horizontal liquid film, preferably trimmable, and minimally spaced from the air intake device. This forces the air through the liquid film, bringing it into intensive contact with the liquid without it being deflected around edges.

[0018] For increased cleaning capacity according to the invention, drip elements of the draining device consisting of a multitude of bristles have proven effective. Due to the small diameter of the bristles, a large number, for example 10,000 or more, can be arranged in a small space, thus providing a very large surface area for liquid separation. Preferably, the bristles have at least a partially electrically conductive surface, and particularly preferably, they are at least partially electrically connected to one another. This improves the dripping behavior of the liquid.

[0019] Preferably, the draining device is connected to the liquid container so that the liquid containing the impurities, separated in the draining device, flows back into the liquid container. The recovered liquid can then be discharged or recirculated. Alternatively, a separate collection container for the contaminated liquid can be provided.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the dripping device has at least one guide surface which has a curved shape along a main flow direction, wherein the guide surface bends away from the gas flow along the main flow direction. The guide surface is preferably arranged on the upper part. The main flow direction results from the direction in which the gas mainly flows. It can also be provided that the dripping device has at least one guide surface which has a curved shape along a main flow direction, wherein the slope of the guide surface increases continuously along the main flow direction, at least in the area further away from the air intake device. By guiding the flowing gas along this surface, the formation of turbulence is prevented, thus reducing the noise level of the device.The guide surface preferably extends in a ring shape around the air intake device. The guide surface, which becomes increasingly steep towards the outside, results in a bulbous, circular, or parabolic shape, which is particularly advantageous. Preferably, the guide surface is arranged in the area of ​​a gas outlet for removing the purified gas from the device.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid is water. Water is known for its high absorption capacity for airborne contaminants and can normally be disposed of without difficulty. In other cases, however, it may be appropriate to use a different cleaning liquid, for example, a solvent, instead of water. In this case, the intensive separation rate in the drip tray according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0022] The object is also achieved according to the invention by a method for cleaning air using the device according to the invention, wherein a liquid from a liquid container is distributed horizontally, the air to be cleaned is passed at least once through the horizontal liquid film, the air is guided over a dripping device after passing through the liquid film, wherein the liquid in the air, enriched with impurities from the air, is separated on dripping elements of the dripping device arranged at an angle of at most 160° to the horizontal liquid film.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the device includes at least one UV light source for irradiating the air. The UV light source is a light source capable of generating light in the UV range, i.e., light with wavelengths in the range of approximately 100 nm to 380 nm. The light source can also produce light in other wavelength ranges. Preferably, the UV light source can generate light in the UV-C range, i.e., light in a wavelength range of approximately 100 nm to 280 nm. This allows germs in the irradiated and purified gas to be additionally killed, thus reducing the germ count or even sterilizing the gas. Particularly preferably, the UV light source is designed to kill hospital germs, i.e., germs that are problematic in healthcare facilities, especially due to the risk of difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections.The UV light source can be set up to irradiate other parts of the device or the water and achieve germ reduction or sterilization on these parts as well.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if an irradiation unit comprising the UV light source is arranged on the side of the lower part facing away from the upper part. This preferably reduces the germ count of the drawn-in air before cleaning. If the air is drawn in on the side of the upper part, it can be provided that an irradiation unit comprising the UV light source is arranged on the side of the upper part facing away from the lower part.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the irradiation unit has a gas-permeable, UV-light-tight filter wall. This allows the filter wall to perform coarse filtration and prevent light from escaping. The filter wall can, for example, be made of a fleece. It is preferably ensured that the inside of the filter wall is completely illuminated by the UV light source to prevent the formation of microbial spores.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using non-limiting embodiments with accompanying figures. These will show Fig. 1 a sectional view of a device according to the invention for cleaning air; Fig. 2 a side view of the radial fan with intake piece; Fig. 2 an enlarged detail from Fig. 2a; Fig. 3 a side view of the radial fan; and Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a second embodiment without top and drip tray; Fig. 5 a section through a third embodiment with irradiation unit; Fig. 6 a side view of the third embodiment; Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 a section and a side view of an alternative embodiment of the radial fan with intake; and Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 are enlarged sections U and V from the Figure 7 and 9 .

[0027] According to the Figure 1The device 1 according to the invention for cleaning, humidifying, and ionizing air consists of a trough-shaped lower part 2, preferably made of stainless steel sheet, in the center of which an air inlet nozzle 3 is arranged, through which the contaminated air is drawn in from the environment. Generally, the device 1, which is usually attached to or suspended from the ceiling, has a substantially circular base. The embodiment is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis A.

[0028] Around the air inlet nozzle 3, the lower part 2 has a pointed, tapered depression which acts as a liquid reservoir 4, the maximum liquid level of which lies below the upper edge 31 of the air inlet nozzle 3.

[0029] An upper part 5 of the device 1, arranged above the lower part 2, has essentially the same outer diameter as the lower part 2. Its inner diameter (i.e., the diameter of a centrally arranged opening 17 in the upper part 5) is smaller than the outer diameter of the air deflection device 9. The air deflection device 9 is detachably fixed to the mounting sleeves 6 (columns) and lies within the drip tray. A round connecting edge between the air deflection device 9 and the upper part 5 is sealed by a rubber sealing ring 16. An air intake device 7, for example, a radial fan, is arranged in the center of the upper part 5. The air intake device 7 has an intake piece 8 on its side facing the lower part 2. The air intake device 7 is connected to and held in place by a retaining wheel 18. A motor 19 in the center of the air intake device 7 rotates it and is supported by the retaining wheel.This intake piece 8, which also rotates due to the rotational movement of the air intake device 7, is arranged above the air inlet nozzle 3. A narrow gap, for example approximately 0.5 mm wide, remains between the static air inlet nozzle 3 and the rotating intake piece 8 to avoid impeding the rotation of the intake piece 8. The air inlet nozzle 3 and the intake piece 8 have the same inner diameter at the point where they meet, with the intake piece 8 having a hyperbolic-like shape in cross-section. The air inlet nozzle 3 has a convergent-divergent (i.e., frustoconical) shape. This shape prevents the formation of undesirable whistling noises, particularly at the edge 31 during air intake.

[0030] Below the upper part 5, an air deflection device 9 in the form of a trim ring is arranged radially around the air intake device 7 in the present embodiment of the invention. Finally, between the upper part 5 and the lower part 2, a drip tray 10, also called a water drain, is located in the edge region of the device 1. This drip tray has a plurality of inclined drip elements 11 in the form of bristles. The bristles are, for example, made of stainless steel, have a diameter of 1.2 mm, and are inserted into a Styrodur plate at axial intervals of 8 mm. The drip elements 11 are arranged on a guide surface 14 and are spaced approximately 1 cm apart from the surface 13.

[0031] The guide surface 14 is arranged in a ring around the air deflection device 9 and on the upper part 5. Its cross-section, along the main airflow direction H, has a curved shape that bends radially outwards, with a continuously increasing slope. Alternatively, it can also be essentially flat, preferably positioned at an angle to the horizontal liquid film. In the direction of the main airflow H, the guide surface 14 preferably approaches the lower part 2 of the radial fan in a first section and then moves away again in a second section. This results in a rounding in the outer area of ​​the device and also in the area of ​​the gas outlet from which the air flows out, thus preventing turbulence at the edges. The air decelerates, and any water that forms runs inwards along the guide surface 14.Alternatively, the guide surface 14 can also approach the lower part 2 linearly in a first section along the main flow direction H and, after an edge, move away from the lower part 2 again in a second section, or alternatively, move away continuously, preferably linearly.

[0032] When the device 1 is put into operation, the radial fan and thus the intake piece 8 are set into rotation. The resulting negative pressure draws the air to be cleaned in through the air inlet nozzle 3. The air is then passed through the intake piece 8 and the radial fan.

[0033] Simultaneously, cleaning fluid, preferably water from the mains, is injected via a spray nozzle (not shown) through a pressure reducer essentially vertically upwards into the space 82 between the intake piece 8 and the form 81 (hyperload - in section) running essentially spaced parallel to it, where preferably hyperbolically paraboloidally curved intake vanes 39, which receive the water column, accelerate it and form a uniform liquid film 12 all around. Alternatively, the intake vanes 39 can also be essentially flat, with the possibility that they are paraboloid only in the region of the upper edge 31.

[0034] The dripping elements 11 are positioned at an angle w to the liquid film 12 of approximately 135°. Preferably, the angle w is in a range between 130° and 140°.

[0035] Simultaneously, cleaning fluid, preferably water, is introduced from the fluid reservoir 4 into the space 82 of the rotating intake piece 8 by means of a pump via a spray nozzle (not shown). The injected fluid is first scooped up and, due to the prevailing centrifugal forces, accelerated and flung away, forming a horizontal fluid film 12, starting at the intake body 81 of the radial fan. The amount of air drawn in is controlled by the power of the radial fan, whereby the properties of the fluid film 12 are also influenced depending on the rotational speed of the intake piece 8.

[0036] The intake air exits the radial fan and is guided through the water film 12 by means of a trim ring 9. The air flows along the trim ring 9, whose surface slopes towards the lower part 2, and then passes through the water film 12 for the first time. The air passes through the water film 12 at an acute angle from top to bottom in a ring-like pattern. At this interface, the horizontal water particles collide with impurities from the air and are absorbed by the water particles, thereby significantly altering the mass of the dust particles. This forced airflow ensures that, in the next step, impurities land directly in the water tank 4 or on the wet inner surface of the tray (lower part 2). Subsequently, the air is again guided through the water film from bottom to top over a large area to be struck once more by water particles in order to bind any remaining dust particles.In the final step of the process plant, air is separated from water particles again via a drip tray 10, decelerated, and expelled in a ring shape over a wide rim. Due to the entropic effect, the air cools by approximately 1 Kelvin during this process. As the air carries water droplets with it as it passes through the water film 12, these droplets, along with impurities, are scraped off by the bristles of the drip tray 10. The water retained by the drip tray 10 flows back into the liquid container 4 via the inclined surface 13 of the lower part 2, from where it is applied to the space 82 of the intake piece 8 in the manner described above. Surface 13 is approximately 10 mm away from the drip tray 10. The contaminated water drips off, and to prevent dust particles and fibers from being left behind, the bristles are spaced away from surface 13.

[0037] In other words, the intake air exits the radial fan and is guided through the water film 12 by means of the trim ring 9. The air flows along the trim ring 9, whose surface slopes towards the lower part 2, and then passes through the water film 12 for the first time, releasing at least some of the impurities carried in the air, particularly smoke and dust, into the water. The air then flows along the surface 13 of the lower part 2, which is inclined in the opposite direction to the trim ring 9, and passes through the water film 12 again. The air, now enriched with water, finally reaches the draining device 10 before leaving the device 1 cleaned, ionized, and humidified.Since the air carries away 12 water droplets as it passes through the water film, these are now scraped off along with impurities on the bristles 11 of the drip device 10, whereby the water retained by the drip device 10 flows back into the liquid container 4 via the inclined surface 13 of the lower part 2, from where it is again applied to the suction piece 8 in the manner described above and can be pumped out or is again applied to the space 82 of the suction piece 8 in the manner described above.

[0038] In the illustrated example of the invention, the bristles 11 are inclined in the direction of the airflow and attached to the upper part 5 (hood). However, they can also be oriented completely vertically. Likewise, a variant is conceivable in which one layer of bristles 11 is attached to the upper part 5 and inclined in the direction of the airflow, while further bristles 11, attached to the lower part 2, are inclined against the airflow. In the assembled state of the device 1, the two layers are interlocked, resulting in a particularly dense and efficient drip tray 10, which is especially advantageous for the use of non-aqueous cleaning fluids because practically no solvent can escape from the device according to the invention.

[0039] During prolonged operation, contaminants accumulate in the liquid reservoir 4 due to the liquid circulation described above. Therefore, the cleaning fluid in the liquid reservoir 4 is changed at regular intervals. The degree of contamination can be determined using sensors. Alternatively, a drain device can be provided in the lower part 2, which allows the liquid reservoir 4 to be emptied before the device 1 (suspension) according to the invention is opened.

[0040] It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, a separate collection container for the contaminated cleaning fluid can be provided. Likewise, the draining device can have other draining elements instead of bristles, such as baffles. However, it is essential that these are oriented essentially vertically to the liquid film and spaced apart from plane 13.

[0041] The illustrated embodiment has a water consumption of approximately 5 l / h. Fresh water is supplied through at least one inlet, and the water is pumped out through at least one outlet controlled by a float switch, in order to remove the dirt and dust particles that collect in the water.

[0042] In Fig. 2a, 2b and 3The air intake device 7 is shown in more detail as a radial fan. The radial fan has an upper ring body 72 and a lower ring body 73, between which six rotor blades 74 are evenly distributed. While the upper ring body 72 is essentially flat, the lower ring body 73 is curved and has a cross-sectional shape resembling a hyperboloid. A ring-shaped and curved intake body 81 of the intake manifold 8, corresponding in shape to the lower ring body 73, forms the space 82 between the intake manifold 8 and the lower ring body 73. Intake vanes 39, which are doubly twisted, are arranged in the space 82. This ensures that the incoming water is evenly distributed around the circumference of the intake manifold 8 and exits as an annular water film 12 on the side of the curved, ring-shaped intake body 81 facing the upper ring body 72.Such an embodiment can build up a stable liquid film during rotation at operating speeds of approximately 800 to 1400 revolutions per minute and above (e.g., 3000 revolutions per minute). This avoids excessive noise despite high airflow. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational speed of the air intake device 7 is approximately 1400 revolutions per minute and / or the airflow of the device is approximately 1300 m³ / h.

[0043] The water is injected via a pressure reducer through one or more nozzles into the space 82, from where it is distributed over the circumference of the intake piece 8 and forms the water film 12 upon exiting. Furthermore, it is possible to regulate the water temperature, which in turn affects the exiting air temperature and humidity.

[0044] In Fig. 4A second embodiment of the invention is shown, which is largely similar to the first. Therefore, only the most important differences will be discussed here. It is shown in a schematic, cutaway side view, with the air intake device 7 represented symbolically as a block. This embodiment has a liquid container 4 with a slightly inclined bottom 41. This increases the amount of water it can hold. Furthermore, it can be seen that the air deflection device 9 is hollow to be as light as possible and has a torus with a substantially triangular surface of rotation.

[0045] In Fig. 5 and 6A third embodiment is shown, which, like the first embodiment, has an irradiation unit 20 arranged on the lower part 2, in which a total of 12 UV light sources 21 in the form of fluorescent tubes are arranged. The irradiation unit 20 has a top plate 22 and a bottom plate 23, preferably made of aluminum or steel, between which the UV light sources 21 are arranged. The top plate 22 has an inlet section 25 with an opening in its center, which is directed towards the air inlet nozzle 3 and introduces the air into it. Thus, the irradiation unit 20 is arranged upstream of the air inlet nozzle 3.

[0046] The connection between the inlet section 25 and the air inlet nozzle 3 can be sealed, allowing only air from the irradiation unit 20 to enter the air inlet nozzle 3. A filter wall 24 made of nonwoven fabric or other material is provided at the side opening. This filter wall is air-permeable but prevents the UV light from escaping. Air is drawn in through this filter wall 24, initially coarsely filtered, and then irradiated by the UV light on its way to the radial fan. The UV light sources are arranged radially around the air intake device 7. A connecting ring 26 connects the irradiation unit 20 to the lower section 2.

[0047] The UV light sources 21 preferably achieve a combined power output of 200 watts. In the illustrated embodiment, these are 12 fluorescent tubes, each with a power output of 18 watts.

[0048] The supply cables of the UV light sources 21 can be arranged in the mounting sleeves 6, where they are protected and do not cause any obstruction. This also applies to any water inlet or outlet that may be provided. Such a water outlet 27 is also provided in the third embodiment.

[0049] The in the Figures 7 to 10 The alternative embodiment of the air intake device 7 shown, as a radial fan, is the design of the Figure 2a, 2b and 3The two designs are very similar, therefore only the most important differences will be discussed here. This design features two concentrically arranged intake bodies 81, 81a, which are adapted to the curved shape of the lower ring body in a hyperbolic manner and each discharge a stable liquid film through outlet gaps 38, 38a. The liquid films are thus arranged one above the other, and both must be passed through by the air. This increases the cleaning effect. In the two resulting spaces 82, 82a, intake vanes 39, 39a are arranged, which guide the water towards the outlet gaps 38, 38a.

Claims

1. Device (1) for cleaning gas, in particular air, having an upper part (5) and a lower part (2) which are connected to each other in a detachable manner, wherein a central, vertically arranged air inlet nozzle (3) for contaminated air is provided in the lower part (2), as well as a liquid container (4) for a cleaning liquid with a nozzle device, and an air suction device (7) and a device for forming at least one horizontal liquid film (12) and an air deflection device arranged in the upper part (5), which directs the sucked-in air through the liquid film (12), are provided in the upper part (5), characterised in that at least one drip unit (10) is provided in an outer edge area of the device (1) between the upper part (5) and the lower part (2), the drip elements (11) of which consist of a plurality of bristles and are aligned at an angle (w) of at most 160° to the horizontal liquid film (12).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the device for forming at least one horizontal liquid film (12) has at least one suction piece (8) which is arranged on the side of the air suction device (7) facing the air inlet nozzle (3) and which also rotates when the air suction device (7) rotates.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the diameter of the end facing the suction piece (8) corresponds to that of the air inlet nozzle (3) and widens in the direction of the air suction device (7), wherein the contour of the outer surface of the suction piece (8) essentially corresponds to a hyperbola, and the horizontal liquid film (12) originates at the edge (81) between the air suction device (7) and the suction piece (8).

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the liquid container (4) converges pointedly in the lower part (2) around the air inlet nozzle (3).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the air suction device (7) is a radial fan.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the air deflection device (9) has guide plates which slope down toward the horizontal liquid film (12), are preferably trimmable and guide the sucked-in air through the liquid film (12).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the drip elements (11) are formed from a plurality of bristles (11).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the drip unit (10) is connected to the liquid container (4) so that the liquid containing impurities separated in the drip unit (10) flows back into the liquid container (4).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the drip unit (10) has at least one guide surface (14) which has a curved shape along a main flow direction (H), wherein the guide surface (14) curves away from the gas flow along the main flow direction (H).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the cleaning liquid is water.

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the device (1) has at least one UV light source (21) for irradiating the air.

12. Device (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that an irradiation unit (20) comprising the UV light source (21) is arranged on the side of the lower part (2) facing away from the upper part (5).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the irradiation unit (20) has a gas-permeable, UV-light-tight filter wall (24).

14. Method for cleaning air using a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a liquid is distributed horizontally from a liquid container (4), the air to be cleaned is passed at least once through the horizontal liquid film (12), the air is guided over a drip unit (10) after passing through the liquid film (12), and the liquid in the air, enriched with air contaminants, is separated by drip elements (11) of the drip unit (10), which are arranged at an angle (w) of at most 160° to the horizontal liquid film (12) and consist of a plurality of bristles.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the air is irradiated with UV light from at least one UV light source (21), preferably before it is passed through the liquid film (12).