TREATMENT OF GASES

Description

[0001] The subject of the invention is a device for treating gases, in particular air, and a corresponding method.

[0002] CN 208809155 U relates to an air disinfection device for infectious diseases, which includes a vertically enclosed cabinet body. The cabinet body is equipped with an air inlet device, an oxidation / disinfection device, an anion sterilization device, an ultraviolet sterilization device, and an exhaust device from top to bottom. According to the utility model, station air is fed into the oxidation / ventilation sterilization device for ventilation through the air inlet device. Hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide pool can mainly oxidize and disinfect the air. Then, the air flows through the fiber mesh loaded with nano-sized antibacterial anions to be sterilized and disinfected again. Finally, the air enters the ultraviolet sterilization device; all the baffles of the ultraviolet sterilization device are distributed in a staggered manner, increasing the air flow distance.While deep disinfection and disinfection of the disinfected air is performed under ultraviolet lamp irradiation, it is extracted through an exhaust air device into a station, achieving recycling. The disinfection effect is very good, the air is easy to build up in the station, and operation is convenient.

[0003] CN 107433078 A relates to an air purification device comprising a large fiber filtration screen, an activated carbon filtration screen, and a fan, the activated carbon filtration screen being connected to the fan. The air purification device further comprises a wet filter having a porous structure and positioned between the large fiber filtration screen and the activated carbon filtration screen, an active oxygen substance generator positioned upstream of the wet filter, and an ionic liquid. The active oxygen substance generator is used to generate active oxygen substances. The air purification device can maintain the activity of the active oxygen substance in the ionic liquid for a long time to improve purification efficiency.

[0004] KR 101708799 B1 discloses a disinfection and purification device using hydroxyl radicals, comprising: a housing with a space unit; a cartridge formed on a bottom side of a space unit of the housing and containing a hydrogen peroxide solution; and an ultrasonic wave vibrator that converts the hydrogen peroxide solution into a hydrogen peroxide aerosol and disperses it on a top side of the space unit of the housing. A liquid-phase hydrogen peroxide solution is converted into an aerosol with micro-sized droplets using the ultrasonic wave vibrator and irradiated with ultrasonic waves, thereby increasing the contact area between the hydrogen peroxide solution and the ultrasonic waves. The efficiency of the hydroxyl radicals for sterilizing and purifying air can be increased.

[0005] CN 104501338 A discloses an air filter comprising a shell, a filter core, and a fan. The filter core is mounted in the shell; an air inlet is formed on the right side of the shell; an air inlet is formed on the left side of the shell; the fan is mounted in the shell and positioned on the left side of the shell. An air inlet comprising a filter core is successively followed by a low-efficiency filter screen, an electrostatic dust chamber, a hydrogen peroxide purification system, and a nano-activated carbon filter screen from left to right. The hydrogen peroxide purification system comprises an antioxidant filter textile microfiber screen impregnated with hydrogen peroxide. This is said to have the advantage of effectively removing bacteria and germs with the help of hydrogen peroxide and preventing secondary pollution.Oxygen sources and moisture can be provided to the air, making the air more dynamic and the nano activated carbon filter screen effectively absorbing the smell of hydrogen peroxide.

[0006] KR 20090081930 A provides an OH radical generation device for effectively oxidizing, decomposing, and disinfecting contaminants such as volatile organic compounds and the like in the air by applying a high-gloss (ALU-coated) reflective film to an inner surface of a housing and arranging light in a wavelength range used in the photoreaction longitudinally in the center of the housing. An OH radical generation device comprises: a housing forming an external appearance of the OH radical generator, having an inlet or outlet.an outlet formed on the front and rear sides thereof, an inner peripheral surface of which is provided with a film coating layer, a hydrogen peroxide generator having a nozzle arranged to communicate with the inlet and passing through the casing; and a UV tube floating on a support in the casing and evaporating hydrogen peroxide which flows into the inlet of the hydrogen peroxide generator, thereby generating OH radicals between the UV tube and the film coating to decompose and oxidize and sterilize air sucked into the casing and discharging the sterilized air to the outside through the outlet. There is a mixing zone formed to a length not smaller than a distance between the inner walls of the casing between an inlet end of the casing and a front end of the UV tube.

[0007] CN 100393361 C relates to a wall-mounted air decontamination device for preventing respiratory infections. The air inlet on the cabinet is equipped with air inlet louvers. The upper part of the tray is equipped with an air outlet pipe. The left inner side of the tray is equipped with an adjustable-speed motor. The drive shaft is connected to the adjustable-speed motor via a belt. The antiseptic solution chamber on the right inner side of the tray is equipped with an antiseptic solution chamber, a guide shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft, driven shaft, and guide shaft are equipped with a disinfection belt. The right side of the tray is equipped with a solution injection valve and a level control valve. The lower part of the right side is equipped with a solution outlet valve. The inner right side is equipped with power for UV lamps.The air inlet louvers are equipped with a photocatalytic mesh and an electrothermal quartz tube. The photocatalytic mesh is equipped with a UV tube. The air outlet photocatalytic mesh is enclosed in a cover. The air outlet is equipped with an activated carbon filter ceiling and an axial fan. It can be used for disinfection of wards and operating rooms, laboratories, public buildings and transport systems, waiting rooms, and meeting rooms.

[0008] US 6,969,486 B1 describes a device for treating pollutants in a gas, in particular air, and comprises a hydrogen peroxide source and a treatment injector for generating and injecting dissociated hydrogen peroxide into the gas-air stream. The treatment injector may further comprise an injector housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow interior therebetween. The inlet may be fluidly connected to the hydrogen peroxide source so that hydrogen peroxide flows through the hollow interior and toward the outlet. At least one UV tube may be positioned within the hollow interior of the injector housing. The at least one UV tube may catalyze the hydrogen peroxide flowing through the tube. The catalyzed hydrogen peroxide may be injected from the outlet into the gas stream to treat pollutants such as nitrogen oxides.

[0009] US 2007 / 0217944 A1 covers a method and apparatus for neutralizing pathogens and chemical toxins in the air, in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen-chemical toxin neutralization system is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and toxins, contains commercially available components, and can be easily integrated into commercial HVAC systems, decontaminating large volumes of ventilated air in real time without chemical reagents. The system features a flow-through reaction chamber containing at least one UV light source emitting short, intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV energy, a source of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, which can be a reservoir or a hydrogen peroxide generator, and optionally an ozone source.The interaction of UV light and hydrogen peroxide generates hydroxyl radicals that neutralize pathogens and chemical toxins as they pass through the reaction chamber in real time. Pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, and parasites. In US 2007 / 0217944 A1, hydrogen peroxide is fed into an irradiation chamber where... "short intense flashes"corresponding hydroxyl radicals are formed. The interaction of UV light and hydroxyl radicals is intended to neutralize the pathogenic and chemical toxins. In

[0042] and

[0043] it is specified that the aqueous peroxide solution is provided as sprayed droplets, as a fine mist, or as steam through the nozzle. In

[0050] it is mentioned that the H 2 O 2 is generated by an electrical discharge under water. In

[0053] possibilities for removing ozone from the air are mentioned, the same is explained in more detail in

[0070] . In

[0079] a peroxide concentration of 15% is stated. According to

[0045] the porous membrane 107 is intended to serve to form additional surfaces on which the free radicals are supposed to react with the pathogens. However, it can be assumed that on such a surface the radicals are directly destroyed and thus do not develop any reactivity, especially since the hydroxyl radicals are known to have a half-life of only max.1 ns, which is understandably not sufficient for the disinfection or deactivation of microorganisms.

[0010] US 6969486 B1 also uses the radical formation of hydrogen peroxide by UV radiation, so this patent specification does not add anything essential to the aforementioned. The abstract already describes that hydroxyl radicals are first generated, which are then added to the gas to be purified. This refers to a "scrubber." This specification explicitly refers to an H2O2 source and a treatment injector for generating and injecting "dissociated" H2O2 into the gas-air stream.

[0011] WO 2015 / 059336 A1 relates to a device for purifying air by emitting hydroxyl radicals, comprising: a body provided with a first housing for a first replaceable cartridge. The first replaceable cartridge and means for causing the emanation of the reactant from the first cartridge are characterized in that the first cartridge contains a reactant capable of generating hydroxyl radicals by reacting with UV energy, and in that the device comprises a UV radiation generator.

[0012] The technical generation of UV energy is fundamentally possible in several different ways. The most efficient method currently used is a mercury vapor discharge. In this process, mercury (Hg) is evaporated in a reaction chamber filled with a noble gas by actively applying heat. In this mercury vapor-saturated noble gas atmosphere, the electrons of the mercury atoms are excited by the application of electrical energy. When these atoms subsequently return to their stable energy level, they release the previously supplied energy, primarily in the form of UV energy.

[0013] The radiation level, or rather the measurable spectral energy distribution emitted by the plasma, depends primarily on the amount of free mercury atoms, the gas pressure ratio and the level of supplied energy.

[0014] UV-C energy (especially the emission line of mercury vapor at 253,652 nm, which can be excited at low vapor pressure with high yield (30 to 40% of the applied electrical power)) finds technical application in physical disinfection technology (see also mercury vapor lamps). While at 280 nm (absorption maximum of most proteins), the incorporated amino acid tryptophan absorbs the ultraviolet radiation, nucleic acids are most severely damaged at 265 nm. At around 245 nm, nucleic acids in particular absorb, while proteins exhibit a relative absorption minimum between the absorption maximum around 280 nm by aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine) and the absorption by the peptide bond between the individual amino acids (maximum at around 220 nm).Therefore, at 254 nm (primary radiation of the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge), it is also possible to irradiate protein solutions (such as animal sera for cell culture) to inactivate viruses and bacteria contained therein.

[0015] For almost all microorganisms, the lethal dose of UV-C energy is known. Above this threshold, the cell loses its reproductive capacity, becomes inactivated, and no self-repair mechanisms can be activated. The lethal dose varies depending on the cell structure. Pathogenic germs and yeasts are extremely sensitive to UV-C. Some mold spores require a higher UV dose. This must be taken into account in the design, if necessary.

[0016] At the end of the lamp's service life, a sufficiently high UV dose must be present to ensure adequate disinfection performance within the defined irradiation time, using a built-in operating hour counter. The lethal dose varies depending on the microorganism and cell structure / type. Pathogenic germs are very sensitive to UV-C and are inactivated very quickly. Mold spores require a higher UV dose. In practice, for example, a germ reduction of 99.5% to 99.9% is achieved within 2 seconds with sealing films for yogurt cups.

[0017] Every UV radiation source consumes an electrical power, part of which is emitted in the UV-C range. 90% of the radiation emitted in the UV-C range is generated at 254 nm, the wavelength effective for disinfection. This is referred to as the radiation dose. The radiation dose is the energy emitted by the lamp per unit of time.

[0018] The irradiance, also called intensity (µW or mW), is the radiation dose per unit area (cm²). Its level is determined by the optimal utilization of the device's built-in emitter and the distance from the object to be disinfected. Multiplying the irradiance / dose by time (s) results in the UV dose / irradiation dose: UV-Dosis mWs / cm 2 = Intensitat mW / cm 2 × Zeit s

[0019] The higher the radiation output and the longer the exposure time, the greater the disinfecting effect. In popular terms: bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds have no chance against ultraviolet light. Scientific knowledge shows that additional resistance cannot be acquired. Most pathogens are even particularly sensitive to UV rays. This is an important advantage of physical disinfection, as it works even when germs have already developed resistance to conventional disinfection measures (alcohol, antibiotics, and the like). At this point, attention should be drawn to the MRSA (multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) problem, with which many medical facilities have reached the limits of previously practiced disinfection and prevention. This physical disinfection works for all microorganisms, regardless of whether they are common E.E. coli bacteria, fecal bacteria, tuberculosis, SARS, anthrax, or Legionella. However, a sufficient UV dose is essential – and requires appropriate device development.

[0020] The focus of the present invention is therefore particularly on the following properties: a) Disinfection of gases, especially air b) Filtration and elimination of pigment dirt, dust and microbiological pathogens

[0021] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved in a first embodiment by a device (1) for treating gases with a) a gas inlet (2) for a stream of the gas to be treated, b) a gas-permeable solid carrier (3) loaded on the surface with hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids, wherein the carrier (3) comprises a ceramic, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a scrim, a nonwoven and / or a fleece, c) a flow machine (4) for conveying the gas stream from the gas inlet (2) via the carrier (3) into d) an irradiation chamber (5) with a UV-C light source (6).

[0022] In the context of the invention, the term gas refers to any gas or gas mixture, in particular air, but also exhaust air from devices or apparatus.

[0023] The essential core of the present invention is that hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids are applied to a solid carrier and thus act oxidatively and not via the corresponding radicals.

[0024] In particular, according to the invention, a wet filter (carrier 3) is loaded with peroxide on the surface, which is absorbed by the air flowing through it.

[0025] The device and method according to the invention can be operated not only with hydrogen peroxide, but preferably with a special cleaning solution containing, for example, 3% by weight peracetic acid, which is significantly more effective than conventional hydrogen peroxide, especially at room temperature. The invention also allows the use of ethanol and / or propanol as solvents for the peroxide, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] According to the invention, viruses and bacteria are inactivated and odors and solvent vapors are neutralized.

[0027] Preferably, the system is self-regulating and requires no special adjustments by the operator. The carrier (3) (wet filter), loaded with H2O2 and / or alcohol, is capable of inactivating existing microorganisms, bacteria, and germs as soon as the air / gas stream enters. The UV flashes mentioned in the prior art are certainly not effective, so we work with permanent UV-C irradiation.

[0028] According to the invention, the focus is on the filtration and elimination of pigment dirt, dust, and microbiological pathogens.

[0029] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the turbomachine (4) is arranged in the region of the irradiation chamber (5), in particular in the region of the UV-C lamps (6), but particularly preferably in the region of the exit of the irradiation chamber (5). This arrangement of the components has the advantage that the surface of the turbomachine (4) only comes into contact with the treated gas stream (2) at a low cleaning agent concentration and with little other contamination of the gas stream.

[0030] In the Fig. 1A view of a corresponding device (1) is shown. This essentially consists of a solid support (3), the surface of which, in particular the inner surface, is coated with hydrogen peroxide, in particular an aqueous solution. Alternatively, the support (3) can also be coated on its surface with an alcoholic hydrogen peroxide solution. Both alternatives exhibit a certain biocidal, bactericidal, and / or virucidal effect, which in itself is suitable for purifying the gas to be treated, in particular air.

[0031] The gas flow is guided over the surface of the support (3) by means of a turbomachine (4), for example, a fan. The sequence of the support (3) and the turbomachine (4) is freely selectable. If the gas flow is first guided through the turbomachine (4) and then over the support (3), the turbomachine (4), for example, a fan, does not come into contact with the hydrogen peroxide. This simplifies the selection of the surface properties of the turbomachine (4).

[0032] The material of the carrier (3) or its surface can be designed in a variety of ways. Naturally, a certain degree of stability towards hydrogen peroxide or the corresponding solvent is a prerequisite. Thus, according to the invention, the structure of the carrier (3) comprises a ceramic, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a warp-knitted fabric, a scrim, a nonwoven fabric, and / or a nonwoven.

[0033] Instead of hydrogen peroxide or in addition thereto, peracids can also be used for the purposes of the present invention to load the carrier. Peracids for the purposes of the present invention include, for example, peracetic acid, peroctanoic acid, pernonanoic acid, and ε-phthalamide-peroxo-caproic acid. Mixtures thereof with one another and with hydrogen peroxide can also be used according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier (3) is loaded with hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids in a solvent. The solvent preferably comprises water and / or alcohol, in particular ethanol and / or i-propanol.

[0034] In the Fig. 1The connection between the carrier (3) and the storage container (7) is shown. The latter can be filled with hydrogen peroxide or an aqueous solution thereof. The hydrogen peroxide and / or the peracids can be conveyed from the storage container (7) through a connecting line (8) to the surface of the carrier (3), which is located, for example, in an open vessel. The amount of hydrogen peroxide and / or the peracids can be easily metered using a peristaltic pump or other metering device.

[0035] In Fig. 1 In the enlarged view, the reservoir (7) is shown, which is connected here via the connecting line 8 for wetting the surface of the carrier (3). The size of the reservoir (7) depends on the desired application and, in particular, the volume of the gas flow.

[0036] Preferably, the connecting line (8) between the storage container (7) and the carrier (3) comprises a metering device (9) for regulating the flow rate of the hydrogen peroxide and / or the peracids or the corresponding solution. A peristaltic pump is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0037] The gas stream flows through the carrier (3) and comes into contact with the hydrogen peroxide and / or the peracids or the corresponding solution. It has been shown that the hydrogen peroxide or the corresponding solution can act as an oxidizing agent for the contamination and thus purify the gas stream 2. Hydroxyl radicals can practically not form here. The simplest suitable flow machine (4) for the gas stream is a fan or a compressor. Both terms are used synonymously here.

[0038] The gas stream is then guided into an irradiation area (5) which is equipped with at least one UV tube (6).

[0039] The inventive irradiation of the peroxide-containing gas stream with UV-C radiation creates OH radicals. The resulting OH radicals improve gas purification. Furthermore, the irradiation enables improved utilization of hydrogen peroxide by converting unused H2O2 into OH radicals. This improves the disinfection effect of the peroxide.

[0040] The UV tube (6) is particularly suitable for continuously emitting UV-C radiation. In addition to the possible formation of hydroxyl radicals, the UV-C radiation also has a direct disinfecting effect on the gas stream in the sense of physical disinfection.

[0041] UV radiation is understood here, in accordance with the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), to be electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range of 1 nm to 400 nm, in particular 100 to 400 nm. The spectrum of UV rays is further subdivided into UVA (315 nm to 380 nm), UVB (280 nm to 315 nm), and UVC radiation (100 nm to 280 nm). The UV spectrum below 100 nm is referred to as extreme UV. The X-ray spectrum begins below a wavelength of 0.25 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the UV radiation source comprises a mercury vapor tube and / or one or more UVC LEDs, in particular in the form of a strip attachment. The advantage of UVC LEDs is their very long service life, their very small component size, and their simple, low-power electronics, which enable uncomplicated device construction.In principle, however, any UV radiation source known in the prior art can be used. The UV radiation source is preferably mounted directly upstream of the last component of the carrier (3) or the turbomachine (4).

[0042] The wavelength of the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation source is preferably in a range from 240 to 260 nm, particularly preferably 254 to 260 nm, in particular 254 to 258 nm. The radiation dose is preferably in a range from 200 nm to 300 nm, particularly preferably in a range from 254 nm to 260 nm, in particular 254 nm to 258 nm. Preferably, radiation sources with a long service life are used, in particular up to 12,000 operating hours with 18,000 ignition cycles. The UV radiation source can have an adjustable radiation intensity.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the UV radiation source is provided with a shield. This allows the emitted radiation to be controlled and, in particular, prevents the user of the device according to the invention from being exposed to UV radiation. The shield can be implemented, in particular, by a stainless steel sheet.

[0044] Surprisingly, it has been shown that radiation components in the UVC range cause a particularly strong activation of the gas flow, especially the air flow. This effect can be further enhanced if the radiation used consists exclusively of UVC radiation. For example, the effect of hydrogen peroxide can be increased by 4,000 times with UVC radiation. UVC radiation also has the particular advantage of exhibiting a strong germicidal, bactericidal, and virucidal effect in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 270 nm, particularly in the range around 258 nm. This property can be attributed to the fact that the short-wave, high-energy UVC radiation stops the maintenance of metabolism and cell division by damaging DNA, so that damaged cells ultimately die. The development of mutation-related resistance is excluded.This disinfecting effect decreases with the increasing complexity of the organisms being attacked. Viruses and bacteria are much easier to destroy than, for example, fungi or fungal spores. However, since UVC rays generally do not penetrate solid materials, reliable shielding is easily achieved.

[0045] The radiation intensity is preferably in a range from 100 nm to 300 nm, particularly preferably in a range from 240 nm to 260 nm, in particular 254 nm to 260 nm.

[0046] The effectiveness of a disinfection method based on UV-C energy is known to be directly related to the applied dose (= time x irradiated energy / area). High intensities for a short time or low intensities over a longer period are practically interchangeable and almost equally effective in disinfection. The dose is expressed in µW*s / cm², often also in J / m².

[0047] The device and method according to the invention can be used, for example, to improve hygiene in hospitals and nursing homes, hotels and restaurants, in public facilities, especially public restrooms, but also in private households, especially in pet-keeping, and in private households for allergies, such as those caused by dust mites, pet hair, and the like. The invention can be used for quality assurance of hygiene in industry, pharmacy, and medicine.

[0048] The inventive irradiation of the gas-air stream with UV-C energy decomposes, in particular, organic components of the wash liquor, generating free radicals. These free radicals lead to improved disinfection performance.

[0049] Surprisingly, it has been shown that irradiation with UV energy in combination with a carrier (3) loaded with hydrogen peroxide offers particular advantages. The device (1) according to the invention takes advantage of the fact that the gas stream remains in it for only a short time. The radicals formed by UV-C radiation generally have a short lifetime. The formation of free radicals then takes place directly in the device (1). This procedure offers the particular advantage that the disinfecting effect of the UV energy itself acts directly on the gas stream, especially the air stream.

[0050] Surprisingly, it has been shown that radiation components in the UVC range cause a particularly strong activation of the gas flow. This effect can be further enhanced if the radiation used consists exclusively of UVC radiation. For example, the effect of hydrogen peroxide can be increased by 4,000 times with UVC radiation. UVC radiation also has the particular advantage of exhibiting a strong germicidal, bactericidal, and virucidal effect in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 270 nm, particularly in the range around 258 nm. This property can be attributed to the fact that the short-wave, high-energy UVC radiation stops the maintenance of metabolism and cell division by damaging DNA, so that damaged cells or viruses ultimately die. The development of mutation-related resistance is ruled out.This disinfecting effect decreases with the increasing complexity of the organisms being attacked. Viruses and bacteria are much easier to destroy than, for example, fungi or fungal spores. However, since UVC rays generally do not penetrate solid materials, reliable shielding is easily achieved.

[0051] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the turbomachine (4) is arranged in the region of the irradiation chamber (5), in particular in the region of the UV lamps (6), but particularly preferably in the region of the exit of the irradiation chamber (5). This arrangement of the components has the advantage that the surface of the turbomachine (4) only comes into contact with the treated gas stream at a low peroxide concentration and with little other contamination of the gas stream.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a different perspective view of the Fig. 1with a detailed section B of a possible arrangement in the flow direction of the carrier (3), followed by the flow machine (4) and the irradiation chamber (5), which is equipped with the UV tubes (6).

[0053] In the Fig. 3 and 4 a front view and a side view of the device according to the invention are shown.

[0054] A further embodiment of the present invention furthermore consists in a method for treating gases, in particular air, using a device as described above, which is characterized in that the gas to be treated is passed via a carrier (3) loaded with hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids and a flow machine (4) into an irradiation chamber (5) containing a UV-C light source (6). The configuration of the device and the above-described sequence of components, namely carrier (3), flow machine (4), and irradiation chamber (5), determine the guidance of the gas, in particular air, flow.

[0055] Preferably, the UV-C light source in the irradiation chamber (5) is operated continuously, so that the irradiation chamber (5) is continuously irradiated with UV-C radiation.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a particle filter is arranged in the region of the gas inlet (2), in particular between the gas inlet (2) and the carrier (3). Such a particle filter can ensure that no solid contaminants are introduced into the system, which could lead to a reduction in the disinfection or cleaning performance. If particle-containing contaminants containing heavy metals penetrate the system, a catalytic effect can occur. This can impair the efficiency of the disinfection. Surprisingly, it has been shown that these disadvantages, which also affect prior art air disinfection devices in particular, can be avoided through the preferred use of a particle filter.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has a bacteria-inhibiting inner coating.

[0058] The device according to the invention can in particular be designed as a mobile system.

[0059] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the device according to the invention can not only inactivate germs, in particular bacteria and viruses, but also neutralise odours and solvent vapours. List of reference symbols

[0060] 1Gas treatment device 2Gas inlet 3Carrier 4Flow machine 5Irradiation chamber 6UV-C light source 7Storage tank 8Connecting line 9Peristaltic pump

Claims

1. A device (1) for treating gases, comprising a) a gas inlet (2) for a flow of the gas to be treated, b) a gas-permeable solid support (3) surface-charged with hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids, wherein said support (3) includes a ceramic, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a crocheted fabric, a laid web, a non-woven fabric, and / or a fleece, c) a flowing machine (4) for conveying the gas flow from the gas inlet (2) through the support (3) into d) an irradiation chamber (5) with a UV-C light source (6).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said flowing machine (4) includes a fan.

3. The device according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said flowing machine (4) is provided upstream and / or downstream of the support (3) in the course of flow of the gas to be treated.

4. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said flowing machine (4) is provided in the area of the irradiation chamber (5).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said flowing machine (4) is provided in the area of the exit of the irradiation chamber (5).

6. The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said support (3) is connected to a storage container (7) via a connecting line (8) for wetting the surface of the support (3).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that said connecting line (8) comprises a metering means, especially a peristaltic pump (9).

8. The device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said support (3) is charged with peracids, in particular, with peracids dissolved in a solvent.

9. The device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized by having a particle filter in the area of the gas inlet (2).

10. A process for treating gases using a device according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the gas to be treated is passed over a support (3) charged with hydrogen peroxide and / or peracids using a flow machine (4) into an irradiation chamber (5) with a UV-C light source (6).

11. The process according to claim 10, characterized in that air is employed as said gas.